UFC bantamweight open to 140-pound boxing match after public challenge from influencer boxer
Sean O’Malley says he is willing to box Deen The Great at 140 pounds after a series of livestream confrontations led to a direct challenge. The exchange moves a social media dispute toward a potential sanctioned crossover bout under boxing rules.
Deen, who previously held a Misfits Boxing title, has shifted toward online content in recent weeks. After separate physical incidents involving Larry Wheels and former UFC fighter Tiki Ghosn, Deen challenged any UFC fighter between 135 and 140 pounds. O’Malley answered on the ‘One Night With Steiny’ podcast.
“You say you’re 7-0… I’m pretty confident I could get the job done,” O’Malley said, referencing Deen’s record. Deen is 7-1 as a professional boxer. O’Malley cited his MMA record and his lone professional boxing win when discussing his experience.
When asked why he would face an influencer boxer, O’Malley was direct. “I love whooping a–, why would I not? I’m going to get paid some Ms to beat someone I think I’m going to beat.”
He also clarified the rule set. “When you say fight, MMA fighters think of a fight,” O’Malley said. “Send me the contract, go get clipped up a few more times and I’ll keep winning fights and I think it could happen.”
This would not involve a UFC title or ranking consequence. O’Malley competes at bantamweight in MMA, but a 140-pound boxing match would fall under a separate athletic commission and sanctioning structure. No boxing body has attached a ranking to either man at that weight.
From a technical standpoint, the crossover gap is real. Deen has seven professional boxing wins and works within standard scoring criteria. O’Malley’s striking background is rooted in MMA rhythm, smaller gloves, and different distance management. A boxing ring demands tighter punch selection, sustained combinations, and round-by-round scoring built on clean, effective shots.
If contracts materialize, the bout would sit in the influencer crossover lane rather than the established junior welterweight ranking order. There is no belt attached and no mandatory waiting. The only structure that matters would be commission approval and weight compliance.
For now, it remains a verbal agreement. Until paperwork is signed and a commission sanctions the bout, the 140-pound picture in boxing stays unchanged.