O'Malley: "Nurmagomedov is the most difficult opponent for me"

UFC lightweight champion Sean O'Malley shared his thoughts on a possible fight with undefeated division prospect Umar Nurmagomedov.

"People think I avoid tough challenges. Fighting Umar is probably the toughest fight for me. But a fight with him should make sense. Umar is not a star at all, but he has the potential to be a superstar. I believe I'm a superstar. I believe Vera is a star. I believe Umar is a potential superstar literally because he has the last name Nurmagomedov.

I've never watched any of this guy's fights. I've seen some videos, he's experienced, he trains in a great gym, his last name is Nurmagomedov, he's Russian. He has potential," O'Malley said in an interview with ESPN MMA.

Recall that on March 9 at UFC 299 in Miami, USA, O'Malley will defend his belt in a fight with Marlon Vera.