5 fights to book for Sean O'Malley after UFC 276

#2. Ricky Simon/Jack Shore winner - UFC on ABC 3

The UFC could also go in another direction and match-up O'Malley with another highly touted fighter. Ricky Simon and Jack Shore are scheduled to compete on July 16, which will be the promotion's third event on ABC.

Both fighters are vying for a possible top-10 ranking with an impressive win. Simon is currently the No.12 ranked bantamweight, while 'Tank' is the No. 14 ranked bantamweight. Although both fighters have competed in multiple weight-divisions, they have found a home at 135lbs.

Simon is riding a 4-fight winning streak with a knockout win against Raphael Assuncao in his most recent bout. Despite that, however, all eyes will be on Shore. The 27-year-old has an unbeaten 16-0 MMA record and could be another star to emerge in the bantamweight division.

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#1. No.5 Ranked UFC bantamweight Marlon Vera - rematch

Marlon Vera has had an impressive climb up the ranks of the UFC bantamweight division. He is on a three-fight winning streak during which he has defeated Davey Grant, Frankie Edgar, and Rob Font. The No.5 ranked bantamweight has looked great during this stretch as he has earned a post-fight bonus for each bout.

'Chito' is the perfect opponent for O'Malley because he is the only fighter to defeat him. The two competed in 2020, which saw Vera earn a TKO win after 'Sugar' sustained a leg injury. Since then, it seems as though the two have been linked for a possible rematch.

Vera will have an opportunity to defeat another former champion when he fights Dominick Cruz next month. Even if he comes up short against Cruz, the promotion could still book Vera vs. O'Malley 2. It would be a logical bout based on their rankings and it would generate plenty of interest.