"I thought we were gonna be able to look into each other's eyes and both be ready for war" - Sean O'Malley senses "fear" in Petr Yan after 'No Mercy' shoved him during recent face-off

UFC bantamweight Sean O'Malley says he sensed fear in the eyes of Petr Yan after the Russian fighter shoved him during their face-off ahead of UFC 280.

'Sugar' is set for his toughest test yet in the octagon this weekend when he faces the talented 'No Mercy'. Yan is a former champion and sits at No.1 in the division. O'Malley, ranked No.11, shocked fans when the fight was announced but has appeared as confident as ever that he's going to get the job done.

The 27-year-old views the fight as a win-win scenario. Although he has every intention of getting his hand raised, a loss against a former champion is hardly a mark on the record. If O'Malley wins, however, it will catapult him into title contention and elevate his already-star status.

Speaking to Megan Olivi on the UFC's YouTube channel, Sean O'Malley stated that he was surprised Yan shoved him and believes it is because he's scared:

"I was surprised. You know, I asked myself what it would take for me to push someone and the only thing I could think of is fear. I don't know why you'd push someone. I don't know if I'm in his head a little bit. I was surprised, I thought we were gonna be able to sit there and look into each other's eyes and both be ready for war. I think I'm a little bit in his head."

Catch Sean O'Malley's interview at the 22:30 mark below:

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Israel Adesanya makes bold claim regarding Sean O'Malley's future

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has stated that UFC 280 will be Sean O'Malley's opportunity to prove that he's the real deal. While 'Sugar' has amassed a record of stunning KOs, the New Zealander believes he is yet to prove himself against the best in the division.

According to Adesanya, O'Malley has been smart during his UFC career by building his brand with highlight-reel finishes. 'The Last Stylebender' also added that a win over Petr Yan could mean that the 27-year-old will have a legitimate claim for a title shot:

"I think smart, get your experience. 'Cause look at it, wins, wins, wins, finishes, finishes, finishes and then yeah, now he's got that experience in the UFC. He's got rounds, like, octagon time in the UFC, on the big stage."

Adesanya added:

"And now he's ready for a big show. This is like his biggest fight yet. If he beats Petr Yan, he can fight for the title... And also it's three rounds. That's one thing you have to realize, 'cause Petr does start slow."

Watch Israel Adesanya's UFC 280 breakdown here: