Sean O’Malley was close to perfect when he fought Kris Moutinho at UFC 264 in July 2021.
Conor McGregor famously broke his leg during a main-event trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier.
Naturally, that moment stole all the headlines and overshadowed Sean O’Malley‘s latest win.
‘Suga’ stretched his MMA record to 14-1 with a flawless striking display against a UFC newcomer.
Sean O’Malley’s TKO win upsets Joe Rogan
Kris Moutinho made his UFC debut on late notice against one of the biggest stars on the roster.
It was a total mismatch in Sean O’Malley’s favor, as he connected with 230 significant strikes, which was the second-most of all time in a three-round UFC fight behind Nate Diaz, who landed 238 against Donald Cerrone at UFC 141.
Moutinho ate them all, kept coming forward, and displayed true grit during his UFC debut.
It seemed like he was destined to survive the 15-minute beating to record something of a moral victory.
However, referee Herb Dean controversially stepped in and waved off the fight with 27 seconds remaining.
“I don’t understand that. I really don’t understand that,” UFC commentator Joe Rogan said.
“I’m just stunned that Herb Dean, who in my opinion is the best referee in the business, just decided he saw enough.
“I mean, he’s in there, he’s closer than we are to it. I respect him deeply, but, I’m kind of shocked.
“The kid is trying, he’s not hurt in the sense that he can’t walk. He’s not wobbly, he’s not about to fall down. He’s getting hit, but he’s moving forward. Very confusing.”
What’s next for Sean O’Malley?
Sean O’Malley hasn’t fought since losing his bantamweight title at UFC 306 last September.
Merab Dvalishvili easily outpointed him over five rounds before defending his belt against Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he edged out in the UFC 311 co-main event in January.
Despite the one-sided nature of their first affair, UFC CEO Dana White has booked the rematch.
Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2 will headline UFC 316, which takes place in Newark, New Jersey, on June 7.