Sean O'Malley Reveals the Sacrifices Driving His UFC Return: 'It Changed My Life'

The bantamweight division is bracing for a major shakeup as UFC 316 prepares to host a pivotal title rematch. Scheduled for June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the event features a championship clash that fans have been eagerly awaiting. With the stakes raised and reputations on the line, the pressure is palpable. The fighter stepping into this rematch has made it clear—this time, things will be different. After a disappointing performance in their previous encounter, the challenger is sharpening focus, shedding distractions, and making real changes with the goal of reclaiming gold.

Sean O'Malley, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili in their first meeting at UFC 306, has been candid about what went wrong and what needed to change. Rather than offering excuses, O'Malley has taken a hard look inward. 'I decided 2025, I'm done with social media,' he said in a recent podcast on his YouTube channel, revealing that his team now runs his accounts entirely. 'I don't get on social media and I feel like that's changed my life.' But the changes didn't stop there. O'Malley has also distanced himself from a number of vices—including gambling, partying, and marijuana. 'I quit smoking weed too... it wasn't like "Alright, I'm going to quit smoking," I just quit,' he shared. 'My sleep's better, I'm not overeating… and I feel like it's been good.'