UFC Fight Pass Brazil Commentator Criticizes Sean O’Malley’s ESPY Victory

Sean O'Malley's selection as “Fighter of the Year” at the recent ESPY awards was heavily criticized by the Brazilian media.

On his weekly podcast, "Papo de Luta", UFC Fight Pass Brazil commentator Carlos Barreto, said he did not understand the reasons for O'Malley to surpass the achievements of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

“I'm not discussing the quality of O'Malley, who is undoubtedly talented and a great fighter, in addition to being very popular in the U.S. What must be taken into question here are the facts. In the period in question, O'Malley knocked out [Aljamain Sterling] and beat ‘Chito’ Vera on points, while ‘Poatan’ knocked out Jiri [Prochazka] twice, Jamahal Hill once and beat Blachowicz on points, becoming double champion,” Barreto said.

“If the award went to the greatest American fighter of the year, that would be fine, but here it is a global award. Unfortunately, it even takes away the credibility of the award.”