BKFC champion Kai Stewart wasn’t actively seeking a fight with fellow Montana native Sean O’Malley, but he’s now open to the idea.
As he gears up to defend his title against UFC veteran Jimmie Rivera on Saturday, Stewart addressed his feud with O’Malley, which originated during UFC 292. On that night, O’Malley made dismissive remarks about Stewart, claiming he didn’t know him and that “that kid sucks.” This was in reference to a DM exchange from 2020 that O’Malley never forgot.
Stewart clarified that the DM was a response to O’Malley’s post about wrestlers, mentioning his friend Myles Mazurkiewicz who had faced O’Malley in the past. This seemingly harmless interaction sparked animosity between the two fighters.
The tension escalated when O’Malley’s team offered Stewart a hefty sum to fight one of his training partners, a proposition Stewart declined to focus on his BKFC career.
Despite the rivalry, Stewart continues to support O’Malley in his fights out of Montana camaraderie. However, he acknowledges that a showdown between them could be inevitable, especially with the prospect of crossover fights between UFC and BKFC.
Stewart remains open to facing O’Malley in various formats, including MMA, bare-knuckle, or at different weight classes, emphasizing that the decision lies with O’Malley.
While Stewart harbors no personal animosity towards O’Malley, he embraces the idea of settling their differences in the Montana way – through a competitive fight.
The potential matchup between Stewart and O’Malley presents an intriguing clash of two top fighters from Montana, adding a layer of local pride to the rivalry.
Stewart’s willingness to engage in a fight with O’Malley across different combat sports showcases his versatility and readiness to take on new challenges.
The possibility of a future confrontation between Stewart and O’Malley remains uncertain but tantalizing, especially with the evolving landscape of crossover fights in combat sports.
Stewart’s open-minded approach to a potential bout with O’Malley reflects his commitment to his BKFC reign while keeping the door open for exciting opportunities in the future.
Ultimately, the prospect of a showdown between Stewart and O’Malley symbolizes the spirit of competition and sportsmanship, rooted in their shared Montana heritage.
Stewart’s readiness to face O’Malley in any setting underscores his determination to settle any unresolved issues in the ring.