Sean O'Malley's coach gauges "freak" Umar Nurmagomedov's chances against 'Sugar': "I do still see holes"

Sean O'Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov have long been at loggerheads, and many foresee them potentially clashing inside the octagon. O'Malley's longtime friend and head coach Tim Welch recently acknowledged the threat Nurmagomedov poses to 'Sugar.'

O'Malley (18 wins, 1 loss, 1 No Contest) is the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, who's notched one title defense thus far. The American is scheduled to defend his title against the No. 1-ranked bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili in the headlining match of UFC 306, an event branded as 'Riyadh Season Noche UFC,' on Sept. 14, 2024.

Meanwhile, several experts and fans view the No. 2-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA) as a future UFC champion. The Dagestani MMA stalwart trains alongside the likes of his younger brother Usman Nurmagomedov (Bellator lightweight champion), cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov (MMA legend and former UFC lightweight champion), and Islam Makhachev (UFC lightweight champion).

Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Tim Welch was asked about Umar Nurmagomedov's most recent fight, a dominant unanimous decision victory in a bantamweight title eliminator matchup against Cory Sandhagen on Aug. 3, 2024. Welch lauded Nurmagomedov but opined that O'Malley could defeat him regardless.

Alluding to his respect for Dagestani grappling savants, Welch stated:

"Yeah, Umar Nurmagomedov is a serious problem. I mean, he is a serious problem for anyone. He's very athletic. And he not only can -- all those guys can grapple, like freaks. They're just so freakishly strong. Their wrestling is so good. And he's not only just relying on his wrestling."

He added:

"He's a very good striker, too. He's got very versatile kicks. He's southpaw. He can throw a question mark with his lead leg. He can throw teeps. He's a very dangerous, dangerous fight because he can win the fight anywhere. But I do still see holes. And I still do see ways Sean can frustrate him, and be faster than him, and knock him out also."

Check out Welch's comments below:

Watch Welch's interview below (*comments about Nurmagomedov at 4:33):

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Tim Welch praises Umar Nurmagomedov's team, lauds Bellator and UFC titlists

Tim Welch appeared to echo the sentiments of many in the MMA community, highlighting the tremendous improvements the Dagestani fighters have lately displayed in the striking realm. Welch waxed lyrical about Bellator lightweight kingpin Usman Nurmagomedov's stand-up skills, especially his fast "karate-style kicks."

Furthermore, the MMA fighter-cum-trainer indicated that reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has also refined his striking, become a great southpaw boxer, and is getting more comfortable on the feet.

Sean O'Malley recently jibed at Umar Nurmagomedov's appearance and implied that Nurmagomedov ought to stay prepared as a potential replacement if Merab Dvalishvili withdraws from UFC 306 due to a recent cut he sustained. In stark contrast to O'Malley's trash talk against the Dagestani combatant, Welch praised Nurmagomedov and his team:

"His [Umar Nurmagomedov's] striking is so impressive, but so many of the guys on his team have really impressive striking ... So, that whole team is a bunch of freak shows, for sure." [5:37]