Sean O’Malley believes he could become the next Anderson Silva following his win over Petr Yan at UFC 280.

For the longest time, Sean O’Malley was seen as one of the UFC’s intriguing pet projects and little more than that.

Despite knocking out a variety of opponents across a four-year stretch, we still had plenty of unanswered questions regarding his potential and just how far up the ladder he could climb.

In many ways, that’s still the case with the bantamweight prospect constantly having to deal with haters and critics calling him out - especially in the wake of UFC 280.

Read more: Sean O'Malley's coach laughs off claims that Petr Yan win was a robbery

On that night in Abu Dhabi last month, O’Malley went toe to toe with Petr Yan and was eventually awarded a split decision win.

Despite how impressive he looked, many chose to focus on the controversial nature of the decision.

Alas, even with this being the case, O’Malley is still looking forward to the future, as he noted in an interview with Logan Paul.

Video: Sean O’Malley wants to emulate Anderson Silva

“I think just realising my potential, now, at this point, I can become the [next] Anderson Silva. Like, I can be looked at as one of the greatest fighters of all time, and that’s definitely what still drives me. I just turned 28, so I feel like I got a solid, like, ten years left.”

O’Malley was then asked whether it hurt to see Anderson lose to Jake Paul.

“To be honest, when I was watching and he [Jake] dropped him I was like oh s***, it just felt weird. I was like oh f***, that’s Anderson. Obviously I love Jake and I was pumped for him but yeah.”

The next big challenge

It has yet to be confirmed by the promotion but after beating Petr Yan, many anticipate that the UFC will reward O’Malley with a shot at the UFC bantamweight championship.

The current king of the division, Aljamain Sterling, noted that he may well take time off until early summer 2023, and that he’d only come back sooner if the UFC made it worth his time.

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With O’Malley’s stock going through the roof it definitely seems like there’s something brewing, although Henry Cejudo and Marlon Vera may have a thing or two to say about that.

Whatever the case may be, things are heating up at 135 pounds.