Even if UFC fighter Sean O`Malley is not currently positioned for an immediate title challenge, his standing in mainstream culture apparently remains significant.
The former UFC Bantamweight Champion received a notable mention from none other than legendary hip-hop artist Eminem. The rapper included O`Malley in a rapid-fire verse during his feature on a new song by JID titled “Animals (Pt. 1).”
Here is the specific lyric section referencing O`Malley:
They want me to go on the straight and narrow
Like the same shape that they make an arrow
Never sell out for the fame and wealth
Dave Chappelle of the rap game I’m never gonna play myself
Closest I ever came’s 8 Mile but the f*cking pain I felt when I lost Proof
Couldn’t explain how that devil came down then in one fell he swooped
Look at how foul he’s stooped, had to throw in that towel regroup
Like Sean O’Malley, still that mouthy youth
This here the finale try to rally troops
Better round up and corral recruits
But no matter how many you tally to surround these two
You could f*ck around an find out just what the f*ck we about when you see how we shoot
The line about needing to “regroup” likely pertains to O`Malley`s recent setbacks against Merab Dvalishvili. O`Malley lost his bantamweight championship to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last September after being controlled on the ground for five rounds. Although O`Malley reportedly implemented significant lifestyle changes, including quitting marijuana, in preparation for a subsequent rematch, he faced Dvalishvili again at UFC 316 and was defeated for a second time.
Furthermore, the description “mouthy youth” could be a reference to O`Malley`s swift rise to prominence, which was partly attributed to his impressive knockout victories and his confident, often verbose, public persona.
Despite his high profile, it appears improbable that O`Malley will receive another opportunity to challenge for the 135-pound title as long as Merab Dvalishvili holds the championship.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely