Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah resident Sean O’Connell, a Sirius XM radio host and professional mixed martial arts fighter, won $1 million with his victory in the light heavyweight championship Monday at Pro Fighters League 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Immediately following the bout, O'Connell announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, capping a career that wrapped up with a 21-10 overall record across multiple MMA organizations, including the top-tier Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Of course, O'Connell didn't completely close the door on a return to MMA. But the amount of money might be higher than many organizations can provide, he implied.
“There’s a number that will make me return," O'Connell said during a post-fight news conference with the PFL. "But I’m really excited to be a father, to be a family man, and I’m really excited to explore some other opportunities in broadcasting — hopefully with the PFL. I want to write another book. I’ve got a couple of television show ideas I want to pitch.
“I want to explore other avenues as an entertainer and somebody who has a lot to offer. But there’s a number, and if someone throws it at me, then you might see me in the cage again.”
O’Connell downed Brazil’s Vinny Magalhaes via technical knockout in the third round of the league’s million-dollar showdown.
Magalhaes had the only takedown of the three-round bout. But the 6-foot-1, 205-pound O’Connell landed 98 of 170 strikes, including 52-of-94 arm strikes and over-powered Magalhaes on the ground, 45-16 to force submission before the start of the fourth round.
Million dollar moments! @VinnyMMA@realOCsports#PFLChampionshippic.twitter.com/73JnQVZ39E
— #PFLmma (@ProFightLeague) January 1, 2019
O’Connell wasn’t the only Utah fighter vying for a championship.
Featherweight contender Steve Siler, who fights out of Orem, fell to Lance Palmer in a five-round decision earlier Monday. It was the first loss of the PFL season for Siler, who fell to 33-18 in his career.
O'Connell also offered some parting words of wisdom to a handful of younger fighters, trying to make their way up through the tournament-style PFL.
“Take the wins when they come," he said. "That’s my advice.”
