Is Sean O'Malley the backup fighter for Aljamain Sterling vs Henry Cejudo title clash? 'Sugar' reveals

Sean O'Malley appears to be next in line for a bantamweight title opportunity.

Nevertheless, the No.2-ranked bantamweight recently revealed that he has no interest in serving as the backup fighter for the UFC 288 title bout between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo.

Speaking on his podcast, TimboSugarShow, 'Sugar' said:

"I was really planning on being backup for Henry-Aljo. Now we're at the point where going and doing a camp, five fives. Planning on a fight is hard enough to do knowing you have a fight, but knowing you're probably not going to fight, I can't train the same way, and I don't feel like I'm in a position where I'm like, 'Well, it's my only opportunity, I need to be a backup.'"

O'Malley added:

"I was trying, but now I'm to the point where I'm like, f**k that. If one of those dorks pull out, reschedule it. I need a real eight weeks where I know I'm fighting. It's too hard to go be that disciplined. You can't be that disciplined all the time. ... They're five weeks out to the fight, if I got the call I'd be like, 'I'm not ready to do five f**king fives'. ... So I'm pulling out from backup fighter. I never officially was, but breaking news."

Check out Sean O'Malley's full comments about UFC 288 below (starting at the 58:29 mark):

O'Malley became the second top-ranked bantamweight to withdraw from serving as the UFC 288 backup.

Merab Dvalishvili previously said that he will not serve as the backup, as he knows Aljamain Sterling, who he is close friends with and has no interest in fighting, will not pull out. 'Funk Master' and Henry Cejudo have both suggested that noone will withdraw from the bout.

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Bantamweight title picture: Sean O'Malley praises Cory Sandhagen's performance at UFC San Antonio

Cory Sandhagen picked up a dominant victory over Marlon 'Chito' Vera at UFC San Antonio last weekend. Sean O'Malley recently shared high praise for 'The Sandman':

"I think Cory just outclassed him. ... I don't think anything was wrong with 'Chito'. I think Cory's that f**king good, and that style beats 'Chito'. 'Chito' is not very fast, he's f**king super good, super durable, well rounded everywhere. Cory was focused for 25 minutes, did what he needed to do. Wrestled more than I thought he would."

Check out Sean O'Malley's comments below (starting at the 4:54 mark):

Sandhagen's victory moved him closer to receiving a bantamweight title opportunity. With the top-two bantamweights declining to be the backup fighter at UFC 288, the No.3-ranked bantamweight may be offered the opportunity.