Finally reaching the top of the MMA world by becoming UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley is ready to take things up a notch. The 29-year-old wants to bring more eyes to the sport and the company that he signed a multi-year extension with.
O’Malley will be a leading man for a second straight PPV when he defends the bantamweight title against Marlon Vera in a rematch at UFC 299 on March 9. The event will air on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S.
Dana White was impressed with O’Malley following an appearance on his Contender series. He saw something in O’Malley, hence the rocket to his back that led to big fights and an eventual title shot.
The 29-year-old O’Malley now looks to prove that he not only has the gift of gab but will do whatever it takes to back it up and remain on top.
The only thing more colorful than O’Malley’s personality is his hair. He makes it a point to stand out, changing his hair color with each fight he's in. In the first bout with Vera, he adorned Ecuadorian colors to match his opponent's nationality.
WATCH: UFC 299: Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera 2, exclusively on ESPN+
What can we expect from O’Malley as he defends the UFC bantamweight title for the first time?
The Sporting News dives into O’Malley’s background and how his hair color has changed over the years.
Who is Sean O'Malley?
O'Malley turned pro in 2015 and earned a UFC contract after an appearance on DWCS in 2017. He is 9-1 with one no-contest in the UFC, the lone loss coming against Vera.
In October 2022, O'Malley faced one of his toughest opponents, Petr Yan. He beat the former UFC bantamweight champion in what was considered a controversial split decision win.
In his next outing, O'Malley defeated Aljamain Sterling to become UFC bantamweight champion.
The Montana-born star has a strike accuracy mark of 61%. Against Kris Moutinho in 2021, he landed an incredible 230 significant strikes.
What is Sean O’Malley’s net worth
Per ClutchPoints, O'Malley's net worth is about $3 million.
Why does Sean O’Malley have colored hair?
Before he became an enigma, O'Malley's hair was relatively normal. As he grew in popularity, O'Malley decided to change things up.
"I think every fight we’ll do something different and have a nice little theme," O’Malley told MMA Fighting. "It’s something I look forward to, and it’s fun. The fans love it, the media, it’s something to talk about. Last time I did it, the whole fight week was about my hair. It’s something to talk about and just showing some love.”
What is Sean O'Malley's hair color for UFC 299?
In a rematch against Marlon Vera, O'Malley has kept his new hairstyle simple. O'Malley's hair color is blue and pink, matching the vibrant colors of Miami, the location of UFC 299.
Not only does he have pink and blue hair, O'Malley will have custom shorts for UFC 299. Normally, UFC fight kits are similar for every fighter. However, O'Malley will wear bright pink shorts.
The Suga Show is going ✨pink ✨@SugaSeanMMA will wear pink shorts in his first bantamweight title defense this weekend at #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/dLsLPTej5P
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2024
What color was Sean O'Malley's hair color for UFC 292?
When he faced Aljamain Sterling for the UFC bantamweight title on August 19, 2023, O'Malley had a mix of pink, yellow, and green hair. The color represented Sweet Sweats, a sponsored brand for UFC 292. The brand assists with performance and recovery, from thigh trimmers, waist trainers, and gel sticks.
“I’m doing this ‘Sweet Sweat’ collab,” O’Malley said during media day via MMA Mania. “I’m sure you guys seen my name on the Octagon, bright pink. But yeah, I’m doing this ‘Sweet Sweat’ collab, this is kinda the colors of the packaging, so that’s kinda where we got that inspiration from.”
What color was Sean O'Malley's color at UFC 280?
On The BrOMalley Show, O'Malley introduced his new hairstyle, which took over six hours. He dyed his hair pink, orange, and yellow.
"Oh yeah, you didn't really notice my hair? I haven't really revealed it," O'Malley said. "It's going to look sick braided, dude. Little pink, little orange, little yellow. Some bright s---."
What color was Sean O'Malley's hair at UFC 276?
At UFC 276, O'Malley rocked pink hair against Pedro Munhoz.
MORE: SN Exclusive: Aljamain Sterling on fighting Sean O'Malley at UFC 292
Per, Sportskeeda, this was to match his investment in a Lamborghini Huracan.
What color was Sean O'Malley's hair at UFC 260?
When O'Malley lost to Marlon Vera at UFC 252 via TKO, he knew his comeback had to be big. At UFC 260 in 2021, he knocked out Thomas Almeida.
O'Malley's hair color at that time was that of the rainbow.
What color was Sean O'Malley's hair at UFC 252?
At UFC 252 against Vera, O'Malley colored his hair to match the Ecuadorian flag.
MORE: All you need to know about UFC 292: Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley
“The inspiration I got to color my hair, I’d have to say was from Chito,” O’Malley told MMA Fighting. “[He] gave me the inspiration. I’m just showing my Ecuadorian fans some love."
What color was Sean O'Malley's hair at UFC 250?
O'Malley debuted his infamous rainbow-colored hairdo at UFC 250. Before facing Eddie Wineland, O'Malley told reporters he wanted a few wins under his belt before making a statement.
At UFC 250, O'Malley knocked out Wineland in the first round.