Ricky Simon inspired: 'If Sean O'Malley can become a world champ, literally anything in this world is possible'

LAS VEGAS – Ricky Simon is sticking to his guns ahead of UFC Fight Night 234, one of them being his pokes at now-champion Sean O'Malley.

Since Simon (20-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC) most recently fought, O’Malley (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) obtained the UFC bantamweight title. Despite O’Malley’s seat atop the division’s proverbial throne, Simon remains largely unimpressed – and sarcastically inspired.

“Inspirational – if Sean O’Malley can become a world champ, literally anything in this world is possible,” Simon told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I will say, I broke. I bought the Sean O’Malley Timex. I think he had a collab with them. I was at International Fight Week and they offered it to me. I’m like, ‘I’ll take that. That’s a cool one. That’s a cool one.’ So let’s go, Sean.”

O’Malley has long been on Simon’s radar, though a matchup between the two has never aligned. With Simon coming off a loss to Yadong Song and O’Malley welcoming next challenger Marlon Vera at UFC 299 in April, it’ll likely be a while before the two cross paths – if ever.

In the immediate, Simon will support Vera, a former training partner and friend.

“I’m so confident in ‘Chito.’ I used to train with him back in the day,” Simon said. “I know what he brings and if you watch that first fight, it’s a bad matchup for Sean. I’m confident that ‘Chito’ is going to be a world champ. I’m very excited for him.”

As for his own career, Simon looks to get back on track against Mario Bautista. Whether fans believe in him or doubt him, Simon expects the outcome Saturday at the UFC Apex to be the same.

“I’m not new to this sport,” Simon said. “I don’t tap in like that. I’m not somebody who has a crazy presence on social media where I’m like, ‘What are they saying about me?’ I don’t give a f*ck what the fans are saying. Go ahead and sit back and watch. If you could do what I do, you’d be in there doing it. So go ahead and watch and enjoy the fight. I’m going to go in there and do what I always do: enjoy the show.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 234.