Sean O'Malley demands apology from Conor McGregor, snubs Jon Jones for best UFC fighter pick

Although Sean O'Malley and Conor McGregor are not on great terms, 'Sugar' is willing to overlook McGregor's remarks, provided the Irishman issues an apology. In addition, the reigning bantamweight champion passed up Jon Jones while picking the best fighter in the promotion right now.

For context, prior to becoming the bantamweight champion, O’Malley was motivated by McGregor’s meteoric ascension to the top and dreamed of becoming as successful as 'The Notorious'.

Things took a turn when McGregor went on X and shared a post about reports of Ryan Garcia failing drug tests. The UFC double champion also blasted O'Malley's previous use of the prohibited substance ostarine, which resulted in a six-month ban for the 135-pound champion.

Following McGregor's criticism, he and O'Malley exchanged barbs on social media about a possible fight. The 29-year-old previously discussed his relationship with McGregor in an interview with ESPN MMA.

However, O'Malley is willing to move on if he receives an apology from McGrgeor. In a recent interview with MMA journalist Helen Yee, 'Suga' stated:

''I'm over it if Conor wants to message me and apologize for his wild [remarks]. You know, I've never said anything bad about Conor until he started to come out and talk sh*t about me. If he wants to apologize, then we can be boys, if not, I'm not really looking to [be] friends or anything. So I'm not too worried about it.''

Check out Sean O'Malley's comments below:

In response to a question regarding the best fighter in the UFC right now, O'Malley mentioned Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion. He dismissed Jones and gave his justification by citing that 'Bones' fought only once in the last four to five years.

''Probably Islam...I think Jon’s fought once in the last 4-5 years. Jon Jones is up there for greatest of all time, but right now who’s the greatest… I think it’s Islam.''

Check out Sean O'Malley's comments below:

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Sean O'Malley previews Merab Dvalishvili clash at UFC 306

Sean O'Malley is set to make second bantamweight title defense against No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 on Sept. 14 at the Las Vegas Sphere. As the historic pay-per-view event approaches, O'Malley and Dvalishvili have not stopped hurling barbs at each other on social media.

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, O'Malley discussed his upcoming fight, saying:

''It's me versus Merab. It's time, it's a big fight in the division, it's a huge fight in the UFC right now...I'm a striker, he's a wrestler. He said he's going to strike with me probably because he can't wrestle with me. I don't know why else he would say that, so we'll see.''

Check out Sean O'Malley's comments below (4:51) :