Sean O'Malley wants to join the UFC if it moves back to Japan. At Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on New Year's Eve, the former UFC bantamweight champion appeared as a guest fighter in RIZIN 49. O'Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) would like to compete in Japan if the UFC ever returns, although they haven't done so since UFC Fight Night 117 in September 2017. During a RIZIN media scrum, O'Malley stated, "Obviously, I'm with the UFC right now" (h/t MMA Fighting). "I intend to stay with the UFC indefinitely." I would therefore love to fight in this arena if the UFC ever visits. This place has a positive vibe. When questioned about competing under Japanese regulations, O'Malley acknowledged that it wouldn't be advantageous for him. "I went in there and noticed that the ring is much softer than the UFC," O'Malley remarked. "The UFC has a thinner platform. The situation would be slightly different. Since I'm usually not the one above someone, I believe that the ruleset benefits me more than getting kicked in the head. My customary position if I'm brought down is on my back. That would be interesting, but I doubt it would be as beneficial for me. Following surgery to repair a ruptured left labrum, "The Suga Show" is now recovering. He was battling this issue before losing his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September of last year. At the RIZIN 49 event, O'Malley remarked, "The show's production was incredible, the arena's energy is incredible, and the ring girls are incredible." "I think this has been the most enjoyable trip I've ever taken, and I would love to return to Japan overall."