Brian Kelleher wants to steal Sean O’Malley’s hype
Brian Kelleher is going after what Sean O’Malley already has.
Coming off a second-round knockout over Hunter Azure at UFC on ESPN+ 29 this past Wednesday, May 13. Kelleher wants to take the spotlight off of O’Malley. O’Malley is one of the rising stars in the bantamweight division, undefeated at 11-0.
His style, personality, along with his afro, make him a fan favorite. Believe the hype or not, Kelleher wants to get inside the octagon with O’Malley. He explained why he called out O’Malley after his recent victory while on The Luke Thomas Show via SiriusXM, Friday, May 15.
“I think he underestimates me, he had some things to say to me in regards to like beating me means nothing because I’m not that good and I’m nobody and he wants a name guy,” Kelleher said. “He says that, but he is obviously protected and I know they are trying to move him along slowly and are trying to give him favorable matchups.”
🔊"The Contender Series" Killer, @brianboom135 discusses his near walk-off knockout at #UFCJacksonville and why he called out Sean O'Malley #TLTS👊💥@lthomasnews pic.twitter.com/E6noZ8taSP
— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) May 15, 2020
Building a resume
Kelleher’s knockout came in the featherweight division, but is here to stay as a bantamweight. Kelleher is undefeated in 2020, currently riding a two-fight win streak.
He defeated Ode Osbourne by first-round submission at UFC 246 back in January.
O’Malley is 3-0 inside the octagon. He most recently finished Jose Alberto Quinones at UFC 248 on March 7.
His other octagon victories include wins against Andre Soukhamthath and Terrion Ware. He also knocked out Alfred Khashakyan on Dana White’s Contender Series in July 2018.
Brian Kelleher is 5-3 in eight UFC bouts, but with some momentum behind him, “Boom” is shooting his shot.
“I’m telling them [UFC] like listen, ‘Go ahead, let him underestimate me. I know I’m and older guy that has taken some losses, but my mind set is fresh right now,'” Kelleher said. “I’m in like really good mental state and I’m ready to take a guy like that out and steal all that hype.”
