Johnny Eduardo calls for Fight Island bout with ‘stoner’ Sean O’Malley

Johnny Eduardo wants to add his name to the list of bantamweights interested in facing undefeated prospect Sean O’Malley in the octagon.

The Nova Uniao veteran made his professional mixed martial arts debut a week after O’Malley celebrated his second birthday in 1996, compiling a 28-12 record that includes UFC knockouts of Eddie Wineland and Manny Gamburyan.

Eduardo, who hasn’t fought since a submission defeat to 135-pound prospect Nathaniel Wood in June 2018, was hoping to return to the Octagon by April before the UFC calendar took a hit with the coronavirus pandemic.

O’Malley dispatched Wineland in less than two minutes at UFC 250, which took place June 6 in Las Vegas, improving to 12-0 as a professional.

Prior to his win over the former WEC champion, “Sugar” told MMA Fighting’s Eurobash podcast earlier this year that he wants to face athletes who “are going to help my career.” The Brazilian 135-pounder might not fit in that category, but he makes his argument.

“I wanna fight the stoner,” Eduardo told MMA Fighting. “I really wanna trade hands with the agricultural scientist [laughs]. You see videos of him hitting pads, smoking weed… That’s why I love this [laughs]. He’s crazy.”

“No special reason, I just think his style is fun and matches up nicely with mine,” he added. “It would sell well, right? You know me, I swear I have nothing personal with this guy, but I think our styles would match up really well.”

Eduardo will celebrate the 24th anniversary of his MMA debut in November and wants to “continue fighting as long as my body can take it.” Unable to fly to the United States due to travel restrictions and visa issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Eduardo suggests a match at UFC’s “Fight Island.”

“I’ve had my eyes on him for quite some time,” Eduardo said. “I need to fight him. I knew he would beat Eddie, and I want him. I’m sure we would put on a great show for the fans. I’d fight him next week if they want it.”