As UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O`Malley gears up for his anticipated rematch against Merab Dvalishvili, he`s diversifying his training by bringing in a variety of sparring partners.
The trend of high-level professional mixed martial artists engaging in sparring sessions with influencers and fans has become increasingly popular. Following in the footsteps of fighters like Sean Strickland, “Suga” Sean O`Malley recently took part in such an encounter.
O`Malley shared a video on his official YouTube channel documenting a recent sparring session he had with professional poker player and fellow YouTuber, Frankie C.
According to reports and the video content, O`Malley initially faced Frankie C in a heads-up poker game. However, the transition from the poker table to the Octagon proved to be vastly different. O`Malley, while carefully controlling the intensity, outmatched Frankie C in the sparring exchange, ultimately dropping him with well-placed body shots.
Frankie C deserves credit for stepping up, acknowledging the significant skill gap but appearing unafraid of serious injury, trusting O`Malley`s professionalism. O`Malley himself stated his intention was to provide a memorable, impactful experience without causing lasting harm.
“I want him to feel like he got hit by a truck,” O’Malley was quoted saying about the session. “I want to hurt him in the body, I want to kick his leg a couple times. A hard couple leg kicks. I’m going to try and get him really, really tired.”
This unique sparring session is part of O`Malley`s ongoing preparation for his bantamweight title defense rematch against Merab Dvalishvili. That championship bout is scheduled to headline UFC 316 on June 7th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
