Sean
O’Malley wonders if the
UFC’s biggest stars would have been what they are without the
promotion.
The
UFC White House card lineup has faced some serious backlash
from some of the promotion’s biggest stars. Despite having rallied
for a spot on the card since it was first mentioned, Conor
McGregor and Jon Jones
missed out. While McGregor expressed his disappointment mildly,
Jones has publicly asked for his UFC release. Meanwhile, Ronda
Rousey, considered one of the biggest stars in the history of
women’s MMA, claims a deal for a UFC return fell through after the
promotion’s partnership with Paramount+. Rousey has since come out
with some scathing remarks about UFC fighter pay and the
promotion’s inability to cater to fans’ demands.
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O’Malley, who is also a star in his own right, has always advocated
a good relationship between fighters and the UFC. While O’Malley
understands the recent backlash from fighters, he believes the UFC
had a massive role to play in their rise to stardom. A company man
himself, “Suga” believes fighters should be grateful to the
UFC.
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“You see all these top guys having issues with the UFC,” O’Malley
said on YouTube.
“Ronda, obviously, is not in the UFC
anymore, but talking s—t about it. Conor, one of the biggest stars
of all time having issues with the UFC. Jon Jones, the
GOAT, having issues with the UFC. Who would Conor, Jones, Ronda be
without the UFC? Could they have been successful in other ventures?
Yes. Could they have made as much money? Probably not. If they feel
they’re being treated unfair, speak up… You’ve got to grateful for
what you’ve gotten from the UFC, from the business.”
Heavyweight champion Tom
Aspinall also had a falling out with Dana White after his title
defense ended in a no contest due to eye pokes from his opponent,
Cyril Gane. Aspinall subsequently signed with the management of
Eddie Hearn, who is not on the best of terms with White. O’Malley
also previously questioned Aspinall’s decision to sign with Hearn,
advising “Honey Badger” to not make enemies with the UFC.