Sean O'Malley's journey to Japan left rather an impression on him.
Today, O'Malley was a visitor fighter in presence for RIZIN 49, the promo's conventional New Year's Eve program at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. It was O'Malley's very first time participating in the yearly extravaganza and in a media scrum after the occasion, “Suga” stated his interest in returning quickly.
“The production of the program was unbelievable, the energy in the arena was unbelievable, the ring women are extraordinary,” O'Malley stated. “Overall impression of Japan, this has actually been one of the most enjoyable journey I've ever been on and I would like to come back.”
Saitama Super Arena is among the most renowned places in MMA, having actually hosted a variety of the most significant occasions in Pride FC history, and the annual New Year's Eve program. The arena has an unique location in MMA tradition and now, having actually experienced it very first hand, O'Malley hopes to one day be able to sign up with the list of fighters who have actually completed there.
“Right now, undoubtedly, I'm with the UFC,” O'Malley stated. “I prepare to be with the UFC permanently, so if the UFC comes here some day, I would enjoy to combat in this arena. There's an excellent energy here.”
The UFC has actually been to Japan 9 times in general, with 5 of those occasions happening at Saitama, however the promo hasn't returned because a Fight Night occasion in 2017. White appears to have a great relationship with RIZIN president Nobuyuki Sakakibara, with the 2 just recently participating in UFC 310 together to enjoy previous RIZIN champ Kai Asakura difficulty Alexandre Pantoja, and just recently recommended the promo might be targeting a return in the near future.
If the UFC does return to Japan and O'Malley has the possibility to battle there, he has one condition: he's sticking to the UFC guidelines, not PRIDE guidelines.
“I discovered when I entered there, the ring is a lot softer than the UFC,” O'Malley stated, comparing the marketing rulesets. “The UFC platform is thinner. That would be a bit various. The ruleset, for me, I seem like it benefits me more not having the ability to get begun the head due to the fact that I'm the one above somebody. If I get removed I'm typically on my back. That would most likely not be as great for me. It would be fascinating.”
