Sean O'Malley, UFC Agree to New Contract: 'I Got a Number That I'm Very Happy With'

UFC President Dana White announced Saturday that Sean O'Malley signed an eight-fight extension with the promotion.

O'Malley addressed the new deal on his podcast, calling it a "a very gracious contract that I'm proud of" (via MMA Fighting's Damon Martin).

"I got a number that I'm very happy with," he said. "I truly don't think any manager that I had could have went in there and got me what I got. That also helps with the relationship built with the UFC. I feel like I have earned this contract. I feel like I have earned the amount that I'm getting paid."

O'Malley is the No. 1-ranked challenger in the bantamweight division. He earned a split decision over Petr Yan in October, running his unbeaten streak to five fights and potentially putting him in firm position for a title fight.

The identity of that champion is unclear.

Martin reported on Jan. 25 that current champion Aljamain Sterling is tentatively slated to oppose Henry Cejudo at UFC 287 on April 8. However, Sterling said on The Schmo (via MMA Junkie's Farah Hannoun) he might move on from the bantamweight division after Cejudo.

"After I finish Henry Cejudo, I really don't think the bantamweight division has anything left for me," he said. "Maybe a money fight with Sean O'Malley if he can get his toenails in order and make sure he stays pretty on the sidelines and healthy."

Regardless of what the immediate future holds for O'Malley, the 28-year-old has become a major star within the bantamweight division. Signing him to a new, multi-fight deal was an obvious piece of business for the promotion.