Although Sean O’Malley may currently be outside the immediate title picture, he seemingly maintains considerable popularity in mainstream culture.
The former UFC bantamweight champion received a direct mention from the legendary hip-hop artist Eminem. Eminem referenced O’Malley during a fast-paced verse in his guest appearance on a recent track by JID, titled Animals (Pt. 1).
Here are the specific lines from the song where O`Malley is mentioned:
They want me to go on the straight and narrow
Like the same shape that they make an arrow
Never sell out for the fame and wealth
Dave Chappelle of the rap game I’m never gonna play myself
Closest I ever came’s 8 Mile but the f*cking pain I felt when I lost Proof
Couldn’t explain how that devil came down then in one fell he swooped
Look at how foul he’s stooped, had to throw in that towel regroup
Like Sean O’Malley, still that mouthy youth
This here the finale try to rally troops
Better round up and corral recruits
But no matter how many you tally to surround these two
You could f*ck around an find out just what the f*ck we about when you see how we shoot
The reference to needing to “regroup” follows O’Malley’s defeat to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last September. In that fight, the Georgian athlete controlled O’Malley through wrestling over five rounds to take his bantamweight belt. Despite O’Malley making significant life changes, including quitting marijuana in preparation for a rematch, he again lost to Dvalishvili at UFC 316.
Furthermore, the line calling him a “mouthy youth” could point to O’Malley’s rapid rise to prominence. This rise was partly fueled by his impressive knockout finishes and his outspoken personality. However, despite his high profile, it appears improbable that O’Malley will get another opportunity to challenge for the 135-pound title as long as Dvalishvili remains the champion.
