Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O'Malley is about to take an extended break from the octagon but this time, it’s by design. The charismatic and controversial fighter revealed that he will undergo hip surgery on October 3rd, a procedure he’s been mentally preparing for with optimism. Speaking on The Timbo Suga Show, O'Malley shared his thoughts on the upcoming surgery and recovery process, expressing a positive outlook on both his health and career trajectory.
“I have surgery October 3rd. I'm excited about the whole thing,” O'Malley said. “I just mentally accepted it, alright, we're going to go through surgery. Go through recovery and just get 'er done. I'm actually really f**king excited because it's been bothering me."
O'Malley's hip injury has been a nagging issue for some time and rather than let it fester, he’s taking proactive steps to ensure it doesn’t derail his future in the sport. At 29 years old O’Malley sees this as an opportunity to hit the reset button and come back even stronger.
“I’m going to take two, three months of full just physical therapy. Recovery like a f**king pro. Eat good. Sleep good. I’m excited,” he explained, underscoring his commitment to a full recovery. "By the time I fight again, I'll be 30. I think 30 to 35 I'll be in my prime. We've got a lot of years left and big fights."
"It's fun to think about, 'I could fight him. I could fight him.' But it's like, in a year, nine months, or whatever it is when I come around to fight again, who's going to be relevant? Who's going to be in the right spot? Who's going to be champ? So, it's pointless to think about who's next right now."
The surgery and subsequent recovery will sideline O'Malley for several months, leaving the Bantamweight division open for potential movement. Yet, "Suga" doesn’t seem concerned about being out of the spotlight. His focus is on family, rehabilitation, and returning to competition with a new lease on life—and a healthy hip.
“I almost don't even want to think about fighting,” O'Malley admitted. “Just literally focus on the family, focus on healing, and just get back. Get back better than ever."
O'Malley's fans may have to wait a bit longer to see him contend for the title again, but if the 29-year-old sticks to his plan, his return will likely mark the beginning of his prime fighting years. With plenty of potential matchups on the horizon, the future remains bright for "Suga" Sean O'Malley as he looks to add even more excitement to his already dynamic career.
For now, though, O'Malley is taking things one step at a time—starting with surgery on October 3rd and a journey toward full recovery.
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