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September 01, 2025
Sean O’Malley credits Snoop Dogg for ‘absolutely insane’ viral start to his UFC career
Sean O’Malley may not be a UFC champion any longer, but he remains one of the most popular and well-known superstars on the roster and his viral appearance on The Contender Series played at least some part in that. Back in 2017 when the UFC first launched the new series aimed at signing top prospects [...]
Sean O'Malley, the charismatic UFC fighter, attributes a significant part of his meteoric rise to fame to an unexpected source: hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg. While O'Malley may have recently relinquished his championship title, his popularity remains undeniable, and he believes his initial viral success on Dana White's Contender Series played a crucial role in building his superstar status.
Back in 2017, when the UFC launched the Contender Series, designed to scout and sign promising new talents, O'Malley stepped into the spotlight. The show offered a platform for fighters to showcase their skills in hopes of securing a coveted UFC contract. However, it wasn't just O'Malley's impressive performance that caught the attention of fight fans.
What set O'Malley's debut apart was Snoop Dogg's enthusiastic and often hilarious commentary during his fight. The rapper, known for his laid-back persona and insightful observations, was part of the commentary team for the Contender Series. Snoop Dogg's genuine excitement and colorful language as he watched O'Malley dismantle his opponent created a buzz that extended far beyond the typical MMA audience.
O'Malley himself has openly acknowledged the impact of Snoop Dogg's commentary on his early career. He credits the rapper with bringing a whole new level of attention to his fights, making his Contender Series appearance "absolutely insane" in terms of viral reach. Snoop Dogg's commentary helped introduce O'Malley to a wider audience, many of whom were not regular UFC viewers but were drawn in by the rapper's enthusiasm and the captivating performance of the young fighter.
This exposure proved invaluable for O'Malley, helping him build a dedicated fanbase early on. The combination of his fighting skills and Snoop Dogg's endorsement created a unique and memorable moment that launched O'Malley towards becoming one of the UFC's most recognizable and marketable stars. While hard work and dedication were essential, O'Malley acknowledges that Snoop Dogg's influence provided a significant boost, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected collaborations can lead to extraordinary success.
Back in 2017, when the UFC launched the Contender Series, designed to scout and sign promising new talents, O'Malley stepped into the spotlight. The show offered a platform for fighters to showcase their skills in hopes of securing a coveted UFC contract. However, it wasn't just O'Malley's impressive performance that caught the attention of fight fans.
What set O'Malley's debut apart was Snoop Dogg's enthusiastic and often hilarious commentary during his fight. The rapper, known for his laid-back persona and insightful observations, was part of the commentary team for the Contender Series. Snoop Dogg's genuine excitement and colorful language as he watched O'Malley dismantle his opponent created a buzz that extended far beyond the typical MMA audience.
O'Malley himself has openly acknowledged the impact of Snoop Dogg's commentary on his early career. He credits the rapper with bringing a whole new level of attention to his fights, making his Contender Series appearance "absolutely insane" in terms of viral reach. Snoop Dogg's commentary helped introduce O'Malley to a wider audience, many of whom were not regular UFC viewers but were drawn in by the rapper's enthusiasm and the captivating performance of the young fighter.
This exposure proved invaluable for O'Malley, helping him build a dedicated fanbase early on. The combination of his fighting skills and Snoop Dogg's endorsement created a unique and memorable moment that launched O'Malley towards becoming one of the UFC's most recognizable and marketable stars. While hard work and dedication were essential, O'Malley acknowledges that Snoop Dogg's influence provided a significant boost, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected collaborations can lead to extraordinary success.
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Sports