Ahead of his title defence at UFC 299 in Miami, bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley reflects on his journey from a small-town Montana fighter to a UFC star. O’Malley's rise to prominence wasn't without its challenges, as he faced setbacks and doubts early in his career.

When O’Malley first ventured outside Montana to train at the MMA Lab in Arizona, he struggled and faced tough practices, even shedding tears at times. Despite this rough start, O’Malley's determination led him to return to Arizona to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter.

Years later, after earning a UFC contract through "Dana White’s Contender Series," O’Malley established himself as a force in the Octagon, culminating in winning the UFC bantamweight title. However, even after this achievement, some remained sceptical of his abilities, particularly due to his unorthodox appearance and lack of conventional athletic background.

O’Malley's popularity soared, particularly in his home state of Montana, following his UFC success. Despite initial doubts, Montanans embraced O’Malley, recognizing him as a rare sports figure from their state.

His upcoming rematch against Marlon “Chito” Vera is not only about redemption for his previous loss but also about solidifying his status as a legitimate champion. Despite facing injuries and scepticism, O’Malley's unwavering confidence and belief in himself have been key factors in his success.

As O’Malley prepares for his next challenge, he remains focused on proving his doubters wrong and cementing his place among the UFC elite.