Sean O’Malley, one of the UFC’s top rising stars, confirmed Friday on his YouTube page that he has signed an eight-fight contract extension with the promotion.
The top bantamweight contender didn’t disclose financial details of the deal, but said he negotiated without a manager and felt the UFC gave him the compensation he deserved. “I got a number I’m very happy with,” O’Malley said. “I truly don’t think any manager that I had could have went in there and got me what I got. That also helps with the relationship I’ve built with the UFC. I feel like I have earned this contract.”
O’Malley said he negotiated mainly with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell and did have Imran Jawaid, who owns top MMA apparel brand Sanabul, with him during the meeting in Las Vegas. O’Malley said he asked to get revenue from pay-per-view sales of his fights without being champion, but that “didn’t fly.” Despite that, he called the contract “very gracious.”
The Arizona-based fighter acknowledged that eight fights is a long time, but he is under the impression he’ll be able to re-negotiate with the UFC before that period is up for more money.
“They’re also fair in my situation,” O’Malley said. “I’ve never fought out of a contract. I was always able to re-negotiate before that time was over.”
O’Malley (16-1, 1 NC) is coming off a split decision win over former bantamweight champion Petr Yan at UFC 280 last October. The Alaska native is expected to get a shot at the 135-pound title in his next bout. ESPN has O’Malley, 28, ranked No. 2 in the world at bantamweight, behind UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.