Sean O`Malley has taken significant steps in an effort to regain the UFC men`s bantamweight title, which includes abandoning two of his previously enjoyed habits.
The popular fighter`s tenure as the champion in the 135-pound division concluded with a demanding and physically taxing defeat by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last September.
Following this decisive loss, the 30-year-old was prompted to seriously re-evaluate his training methods and daily routine.
He has since decided to give up two things he considered pleasures: **MARIJUANA** and **MASTURBATION**.
Speaking on his TimboSuga podcast alongside head coach Sean Welch, O`Malley stated, “I haven’t masturbated once this year – not once in 2025.”
He added, “Haven’t done that, haven’t been on social media. I haven’t played video games either. I quit gaming.”
Explaining the time commitment video games required, he said, “I did a lot of gaming, two or three hours a day, and I need to fill it with something.”
He mentioned finding a new activity: “We’ve been playing a lot of Texas Hold ‘Em poker with the fellas. It’s been too fun. It’s like gaming. You say, ‘One more hand.’”
Regarding his other habit, he noted, “I quit smoking weed, too. I just stopped randomly. I just didn’t like the way it made me feel. I’m not overeating. My sleep’s better.”
Despite experiencing the positive effects of not using marijuana, O`Malley hasn`t ruled out returning to it eventually.
He clarified, “I’m not done smoking forever, but just right now I don’t feel the need to. And I just don’t have any desire to. I feel like it’s been good.”
O`Malley is set to face Dvalishvili again in the main event at UFC 316 in Newark next week, aiming for revenge.
He is confident that these comprehensive changes to his lifestyle will positively impact his performance in the cage.
He elaborated, “I feel like a lot of things that have changed in my life are going to contribute to my performance.”
Highlighting one specific change, he said, “For example, not being on social media. I decided in 2025 [that] I’m done with social media. I don’t get on social media, and I feel like that’s changed my life.”
He feels the impact is already noticeable: “It’s only been three months, but I literally feel like it’s changed my life, and I feel like that’s going to play a role in my performance.”
In conclusion, O`Malley believes these adjustments are crucial: “All those little things –making decisions like that, sacrifices. I don’t believe [social media] is a sacrifice, but giving up something, I feel like that is going to help me perform in the future.”
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt