Morning Report: Sean O’Malley doubtful he competes at UFC White House
MMA Fighting
February 18, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sean O'Malley, the former UFC bantamweight champion, expressed mixed feelings about his potential participation in the upcoming UFC White House event. Despite securing a much-needed victory over Song Yadong at UFC 324 and positioning himself as a title contender, O'Malley revealed that he hasn't been contacted for the high-profile event scheduled for June 14. He humorously suggested that if he were to announce a fake matchup against Petr Yan on his podcast, it might garner enough attention to make it happen. O'Malley also criticized the UFC's current lineup, calling the upcoming UFC Houston card "kind of a shit card," as fighters and fans alike wait for more significant matchups.
O'Malley has been angling for a rematch with Petr Yan, whom he previously defeated, and sees fighting at the White House as an opportunity to represent his country while competing for the title. However, with no official fighters confirmed for the event yet, O'Malley understands that fans may be growing impatient. He acknowledged the challenges of building up to major events, likening it to a "little phase" where fans must endure weaker lineups before seeing the "greatness" they crave.
Meanwhile, the sports world is abuzz with other top stories. Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to face each other in an explosive Netflix fight on May 16, despite initial reports suggesting Dana White wasn't interested in the matchup. The return of these iconic fighters has sparked mixed reactions, with Cris Cyborg speaking out against Rousey's decision to come back, citing concerns about cumulative damage from past injuries. Additionally, Matt Brown shared his thoughts on revitalizing the struggling UFC heavyweight division, emphasizing the need for new challenges and opportunities for fighters like Vinicius "LokDog" Oliveira, who is aiming for a title shot in the 66kg weight class.
These developments highlight the evolving landscape of MMA, where fan interest, fighter dynamics, and high-stakes decisions shape the sport's future. For sports enthusiasts, the White House event and other upcoming fights promise excitement, drama, and potential record-breaking moments, keeping fans on the edge of their
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/18/2026