What is the reason behind Devin Haney and Sean O’Malley feud? Examining the growing rivalry between boxers and MMA stars

Sean O’Malley, the new UFC bantamweight champion, has revealed his plans to become the sport’s next big superstar. One of his ideas is to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor by stepping into the boxing ring against an elite boxer.

O’Malley’s interest in boxing has caught the attention of undefeated boxer Devin Haney. In a recent appearance on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Haney praised O’Malley as an MMA fighter but expressed the opinion that a boxing match between himself and “Suga” would not even be competitive.

What is the reason behind Devin Haney and Sean O’Malley feud?

O’Malley runs a podcast called “The Timbo Suga Show” with his friend and coach, Tim Welch. During the podcast, O’Malley criticized Haney by suggesting that Haney isn’t popular enough for the UFC to consider a crossover boxing match.

O’Malley mentioned, “I talked to the UFC about potential boxing fights someday, and they said, ‘No one knows Devin Haney.’ There’s a 0% chance that ever happens. He’s just not a star, no one knows him.”

Interestingly enough, it was Sean O’Malley who caught the attention of Haney through X, formerly Twitter. Their social media exchange was well documented and created some buzz for some time. O’Malley has publicly stated his interest in fighting Gervonta Davis inside the boxing ring. However, he has not said the same about Haney.

Their feud began when O’Malley claimed on X, formerly Twitter, that he would be the one to defeat Haney. Haney responded with a tweet saying, “Nothing would break me.” O’Malley then replied, “I would.” This social media exchange continued, with Haney even mentioning the struggles of MMA fighters transitioning to boxing, particularly against influencer boxers like Jake Paul.

Devin Haney slams Sean O’Malley’s UFC earnings

The clips of Sean O’Malley bashing Devin Haney for not being popular have been circulating on the internet. It did not take Haney much time to respond to the statements made by the UFC bantamweight champion.

Haney jabbed back at O’Malley by tweeting, “He was the one that called me out first.. I’m confused 🤦🏽‍♂️nobody knows me but I guarantee I’m making double what this dude makes”. Haney, who currently holds all four belts in the lightweight division for sure earns more than O’Malley.

O’Malley became the champion at UFC 292 and has not had his first title defense. Haney, on the other hand, has defended his undisputed titles two times and definitely has had a bigger payday than O’Malley. Nevertheless, the chances of Haney and O’Malley clashing inside the boxing ring are low as the UFC does not allow their fighters to compete in boxing after Conor McGregor boxed Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Do you think there is a chance of Devin Haney and Sean O’Malley boxing? Comment below!