The $1 million couldn’t have gone to a more deserving guy.
Sean O’Connell has gone from fighting on regional shows in Utah to a so-so stint in the UFC to grinding his way to a $1 million cheque.
O’Connell has ended his career with his longest winning streak in four years and bows out of one of the world’s toughest sports a much richer man than he could possibly have fathomed.
On New Year’s Eve, O’Connell came out on top in a battle of attrition against fellow veteran Vinny Magalhaes on the Professional Fighters League 11 card in New York City.
Million dollar moments! @VinnyMMA @realOCsports #PFLChampionship pic.twitter.com/73JnQVZ39E
— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 1, 2019
‘The Real OC’ dropped Magalhaes in the third frame and the Brazilian sustained such damage in a brutal round that his corner made the decision to pull Magalhaes out of the fight.
After securing a career-high payday and the PFL light heavyweight title, O’Connell made the understandable decision to draw a line under a fight career which started in 2007.
Some of the best shots from @realOCsports big PFL win at Madison Square Garden.
📸: Ryan Loco/PFL pic.twitter.com/ZSrWpXUnOr— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 1, 2019
“There’s no better time to walk away,” O’Connell said during his post-fight interview.
“In front of my friends and family in an iconic arena. I’m moving on. This is the last time you’ll see me competing, but I’m never leaving this sport.”
Get in, get paid, get out. That’s how to play the fight game.
