For some fighters, defeating a former champion and number one contender would be cause to shout from the rooftops that they are now ready for a shot at the title. But Sean O'Malley isn't "some fighters."
Islam Makhachev captured the undisputed UFC lightweight title with a second-round submission of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi.
Sean O’Malley, champ Aljamain Sterling and Charles Oliveira wrap up their weight cuts. They hit the scales, then face off one final time against their UFC 280 opponents at ceremonial weigh-ins.
UFC 280 stars Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev, Aljamain Sterling, TJ Dillashaw, Petr Yan and Sean O’Malley play to fans at open workouts. Caio Borralho embraces the big event. Fighters trade barbs, then face off at the press conference.
Champ Aljamain Sterling, Charles Oliveira, TJ Dillashaw, Petr Yan, and Islam Makhachev get in the zone. Champ Alexander Volkanovski trains for any opponent. Sean O’Malley makes an entrance at media day, and Oliveira rolls deep
Beneil Dariush sees a path to UFC gold. Katlyn Chookagian and Sean Brady arrive. Charles Oliveira trains to win; Islam Makhachev greets his Hall of Famer coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling dive into fight week.
Islam Makhachev gets a visit from Hasbulla Magomedov. Charles Oliveira celebrates his birthday. Champ Aljamain Sterling pushes himself. Sean O’Malley steps outside his comfort zone. The headliners cross paths in the hotel lobby.
Charles Oliveira likes his odds against Islam Makhachev, who plans to start a championship legacy. Aljamain Sterling trains with fellow champ Leon Edwards. Sean O’Malley sticks to basics. Petr Yan plans his path back to the title.
The featured non-title bout at UFC 280 pits two of the world's best bantamweights head to head in a fascinating clash between former champion and surging contender.
Follow UFC 276 event results and updates from Fighters Only's Simon Head live from T-Mobile Arena, as Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski put their UFC titles on the line in Las Vegas.