"I felt guilty" - Sean O'Malley's first sponsor who paid $1000 a month when he had nothing shares 'Sugar's' incredible gesture after getting UFC fame

Akin to most young up-and-comers in MMA, Sean O'Malley struggled to secure well-paying sponsorship deals. Nevertheless, an early sponsor was the first to hand him $1k per month, a substantial sum at that point in his career. The individual recently shed light on a heartwarming gesture from 'Sugar.'

O'Malley was born in Helena, Montana, U.S.A., where he competed as an amateur MMA fighter. After entering the professional realm, his first five bouts took place in his home state. He eventually ascended to the top, impressing UFC CEO and president Dana White on the UFC-affiliated DWCS (Dana White's Contender Series).

As reported by Montana Sports earlier this month, some of O'Malley's early supporters have expressed their respect for him. One of them was Cory Smith, who owned Intense Championship Fighting/221 Industries (aka Intense Cage Fighting) back in the day.

O'Malley's five pro MMA bouts in Montana transpired under the 221 Industries banner, as Smith signed him to the promotion to kickstart 'Sugar's' professional career.

Additionally, when O'Malley had to shift base to Arizona for better training opportunities, Rich Hollis (then-owner of the Sting Bar in Great Falls, Montana) sponsored him. Montana-based supporters like Smith, Hollis, and 'Alias Smith & Jones Pawn' provided 'Sugar' with the requisite financial help.

When O'Malley had to graduate from competing in 221 Industries to bigger MMA organizations, it was Mike Ishak, then-General Manager of the Helena-based Lithia Motors, who signed him to a $1k per month contract.

Much like the others who supported Sean O'Malley, Ishak indicated that he helped O'Malley not for major returns on investment but to see their hometown sportsperson succeed.

Ishak noted that O'Malley made a couple of appearances for the car dealership, besides promoting them on his Facebook and Instagram handles. Apparently, O'Malley acknowledged Hollis and Ishak and even his contracts with them expired. Ishak recalled that after 'Sugar's' DWCS victory, he invited him and his wife to his first UFC fight and provided them with a tour of the UFC facility.

Ishak asserted that Sean O'Malley signed and gifted his DWCS gloves. Revisiting the kind gesture, he stated:

"The gloves that he wore on the Contender Series that kind of launched his career. He actually signed and gave me those gloves. I felt guilty and sent them back to his family, but it was a cool gesture."

For his part, Sean O'Malley expressed his gratitude for Hollis, Ishak, and other supporters in a 2017 Facebook post, as seen below.

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Sean O'Malley earns praise for altruistic act in his hometown

Reigning UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley defends his title against archrival Merab Dvalishvili in the headlining match of UFC 306 (aka Riyadh Season Noche UFC) on Sept. 14, 2024. O'Malley is often praised for his ability to promote and support brands he's associated with.

The aforementioned Montana Sports report echoed similar sentiments. Rich Hollis noted that his establishment had been burglarized a few years ago, and some of his friends subsequently organized a fundraiser.

Hollis noted that Sean O'Malley visited to help raise money, despite not being paid to do so. Noting that 'Sugar' always addresses them as "Mr. and Mrs. Hollis" and is a great and pleasant person, he said:

"Sean came back up to the Sting to sign autographs for free. And this was all on his money."