MMA News Roundup: Sean O’Malley’s Beef With Conor McGregor Takes a New Twist, Ronda Rousey Reveals Truth Behind Her Book, Bad News for Islam Makhachev

So, you missed the latest bustle in the MMA realm because of your busy schedule? Let us take away your worries with another MMA roundup. This time, we’ll take a look at Conor McGregor’s return to the headlines, but as a target for Sean O’Malley. The Irishman never stays out of the picture, don’t you agree?

Next up, we’ll focus on what Ronda Rousey had to convey regarding her new graphic novel ‘Expecting The Unexpected’. And finally, we’ll talk about Islam Makhachev’s injury and the fighters who will replace him on the main card for UFC Abu Dhabi. Without any further ado, let’s dive right into it!

Sean O’Malley claims he can beat Conor McGregor

The bantamweight champion put his idol in the crosshairs on the set of his YouTube talk show. Not too long ago, McGregor took a few shots at O’Malley and called him out for a full contact spar, after the champ’s failed drug test resurfaced. Weeks after exchanging heat on social media, ‘Suga’ finally claimed that he could defeat the ‘Mystic Mac’ in a fight. Even though the difference in size and weight was significant, O’Malley seemed pretty confident in his take.

O’Malley said, “I will chirp Conor [McGregor] because I do believe I can beat Conor in a fight. I’m not just saying that, I think stylistically I could beat Conor in a fight…I wouldn’t call out somebody if I didn’t think I could beat them in a fight.” He pointed out that ‘The Notorious’ was just 5’7” tall. Needless to say, ‘Suga’ was a bit taller and leaner than the Irishman. He continued, “He’s thick but he’s short…Talk sh*t, let’s do it.”

Ronda Rousey confesses the truth about her debutant graphic novel

‘Rowdy’ has climbed back up to popularity with the release of her new book, ‘Expecting The Unexpected’. The graphic novel revolves around a superhuman woman, who is coincidentally pregnant, while the entire world is after her and her child’s life. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion took to Instagram and revealed the truth about the emotions hidden behind her book. And it indeed focused on motherhood.

Rousey wrote, “My debut “Expecting the Unexpected” explores all these possibilities and the difficult choices they offer wrapped in humor, romance, martial arts and homage to the greatest action films of all time. Written as a way to cope with my own anxieties of becoming a mother for the first time “Mom” – my imaginary professional killer alter ego -must answer a question every new mother faces “Am I capable of raising a child in a hostile world?”

Without a doubt, the UFC Hall of Famer expects her book to reach great heights in the literary world. As the action-packed romantic comedy prepares to appear in comic book stores, things are destined to get exciting.

Islam Makhachev was replaced by Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria 

The undisputed lightweight champion was all set to fight Arman Tsarukyan and defend his championship title for the fourth time at UFC Abu Dhabi. However, the Dagestani champ has reportedly injured his hand which will keep him out of action for quite some time. But rest assured because the spot is not going to stay vacant.

Ilia Topuria has shown interest in skipping the appearance at The Sphere and fighting Max Holloway for the main event at Abu Dhabi. While the world of mixed martial arts was left in utter confusion, the famed MMA reporter, Ariel Helwani, has confirmed that the plans were indeed changing for the event. 

Taking to X, Helwani responded to a fight fan who dropped the news of Topuria speaking about the change on Spanish TV. The MMA reporter answered, ”Yes. This is very real because of the injury Islam revealed in a recent interview. Plans are now a changing.”

What are your thoughts on the recent happenings in the world of mixed martial arts? Drop down to the comments down below and let us know your thoughts.