Sean O'Malley is just as worried about protecting his home as he is about his UFC belt.
The reigning bantamweight champion made his first title defense with a unanimous decision victory over Marlon “Tito” Vera in a rematch at UFC 299. For now, Mr. O'Malley will be able to put that conflict behind him and focus on more personal matters, such as beefing up security at his residence.
About the episode Timbo Sugar Show The 'Sugar' podcast explained how a recent encounter at home inspired him to take justice into his own hands.
“I was walking around my property a few nights ago and I saw this car outside,” O'Malley said. “I'm walking around with my pistol loaded and ready. I got into the idea that my family is home. It's not a game. I don't know if someone is trying to give me something. not.
“Tito's house was broken into. I don't want someone trying to steal my dick. They think, 'Oh, he's rich, he's got money, he's got shit.' Masu. I get fucked up — you get into a mindset. Someone's like, “I'm ready to die.” Ready to kill. So I was walking around outside with an AR, I mean, I was walking around with a pistol. ”
Since earning a Contender Series contract in 2017, O'Malley has experienced a remarkable rise to fame, winning 10 of his 12 UFC fights and capturing the bantamweight title with an impressive second-round knockout of Aljamain Sterling. .
For O'Malley, whose increased notoriety has garnered both positive and negative attention, he urges people to use common sense and avoid intruding on his personal space, regardless of intent.
“People keep finding my shitty house,” O’Malley said. “It's a fucking nuisance. I want to put a sign quite far down the road that says, 'If you cross this line, you may be shot.' something. And that's a fan. Just because they like me doesn't mean they can come to my house. Even if you like me and want to give me a present, please don't come to my house. Don't come to my shitty house. ”
“We had security come in and set up some crazy surveillance cameras, like movement and lights,” O'Malley added. “It's just a luxury item, it was fucking expensive. It's worth it.”
O'Malley is surprised by the degree to which fans want to get close to their favorite fighters. His coach and co-host Tim Welch said one fan went out of his way to come to his house and wore a “bane mask.”
O'Malley had an incredible reaction to the situation.
“Someone came to my goddamn door… and he walked out,” O’Malley said. “I parked the car and walked.”
