Sean O’Malley’s career has been one of the most compelling stories in the UFC over the past decade — a mix of charisma, knockout power, cultural relevance, struggle and adaptation. Known as “Suga”, O’Malley has pushed the boundaries of combat sports both inside and outside the Octagon, and recently made headlines for quitting marijuana as part of a broader lifestyle overhaul.

This article traces his journey, examines how cannabis use fits into athletic performance — especially for combat athletes who suffer repeated head impacts — and explores whether stepping away from weed could influence the trajectory of a fighter’s legacy.

From Prospect to Superstar

At DAAZD we love the UFC but have also noted some of its athletes association with the promotion of Marijuana. Sean O’Malley burst onto the UFC scene with flair. A standout on the Dana White’s Contender Series, O’Malley showcased precision striking and personality from early in his career.

His rise culminated in winning the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 292 in August 2023, stunning fans with a technical knockout of Aljamain Sterling and earning widespread acclaim. He defended the belt successfully against notable opponents, cementing his status not just as a champion, but as one of the most watched fighters in the promotion. This blend of entertaining fight style and distinctive personal branding — including vibrant hair colours and open cannabis advocacy — helped him grow a massive global audience.

The First Major Setback

At UFC 306 in September 2024, O’Malley faced Merab Dvalishvili — the fight that would alter his path. Despite being one of the most dominant bantamweights, he lost the title via unanimous decision. Shortly after, he revealed that he had entered the fight with a torn labrum in his hip, which required surgery. Although the setback wasn’t directly linked to his lifestyle choices, this loss forced a moment of reflection and recalibration.

Lifestyle Reset Ahead of a Rematch

In 2025, months before his scheduled rematch with Dvalishvili, O’Malley announced a sweeping change to his daily habits. According to reports by the Associated Press, O’Malley said he had quit smoking marijuana, stopped social media, limited gaming, and even dropped his signature dyed hair, aiming to focus fully on training, family and mental clarity.

He explained that the changes were less about performance and more about well-being and presence — spending deeper quality time with his family and feeling less distracted by external noise. He also acknowledged that he enjoys marijuana and wasn’t necessarily giving it up forever, but had found that the break reduced anxiety and improved his sense of mental clarity. This shift marked a notable departure from his public persona as a fighter who openly blended his career with cannabis culture.

UFC 316 and the Rematch Outcome

Despite the lifestyle reset and rebuilding, O’Malley’s return fight did not end with regaining the title. At UFC 316 in June 2025, Dvalishvili once again emerged victorious, defending the bantamweight crown via a third-round submission.

This result sparked conversation about whether O’Malley’s personal changes — including quitting weed — truly impacted his performance positively, neutrally or perhaps not at all in the competitive context.

Cannabis and Combat Athletes: What the Evidence Says

Performance and Cognitive Function

While public discussion often frames cannabis negatively, the scientific evidence on its effects in athletes — especially those in combat sports — is mixed. The Association of Ringside Physicians, a leading authority on athlete health issues, states that cannabis use is discouraged in combat sports due to unproven benefits and many known adverse effects, such as cognitive and motor impairment in acute use.

This is significant in combat sports where:

• Split-second decision-making is crucial.
• Reaction speed and motor coordination can determine victory or defeat.
• Even minor cognitive delays can affect performance outcomes.

Head Trauma and Recovery

A common narrative online is that cannabis might protect against brain injury — but the science is inconclusive. Some studies suggest chronic cannabis use could modulate inflammatory responses after mild head impacts, but these findings do not conclusively prove that cannabis protects the brain in real-world concussion scenarios.

Overall, the scientific community acknowledges that cannabis does not have proven performance-enhancing effectsfor athletes, and the literature on concussion outcomes remains insufficient and sometimes conflicting.

Could Marijuana Use Hinder MMA Performance?

For professional fighters like O’Malley, the question isn’t just about legalisation or personal choice — it’s about optimal physical and cognitive readiness:

Potential Negatives

• Acute cognitive impairment, particularly in tasks requiring rapid decision-making, is a documented effect.
• Chronic use at higher levels is associated with detrimental impacts on lung function and possibly motivational states.

Perceived Positives

• Some athletes report subjective benefits — reduced anxiety, improved sleep or pain relief — but these are usually self-reported and not consistently empirically supported.

What Comes Next for “Suga”?

After the UFC 316 outcome, Sean O’Malley still remains one of the most talented and marketable fighters in MMA. While his marijuana abstinence may have been a personal well-being choice rather than a guaranteed competitive edge, his candid discussion about lifestyle changes resonates with the modern athlete’s emphasis on mental health and focus.

A Champion’s Evolution

Sean O’Malley’s journey illustrates a broader trend in professional fighting: mental and physical optimisation now encompasses lifestyle decisions once considered peripheral. Whether this particular change helps him ascend again remains to be seen, but the fact that a fighter of his calibre openly reassesses his habits signals a shift in how elite fighters approach longevity and competitive readiness.