In a surprising crossover between the worlds of hip-hop and mixed martial arts, Sean O’Malley, the former UFC bantamweight champion, has responded to a lyrical shout-out from Eminem in a new track. The song, titled “Animals,” features Eminem alongside rapper JID on the recently released GDLU Prelux EP. In a standout moment, Eminem references O’Malley with the line, “Throw in that towel, regroup, like Shaun Ali, still that mouthy youth,” drawing a parallel between their respective experiences of overcoming challenges.
The mention is particularly poignant, as it reflects both Eminem’s personal struggles following the loss of his best friend, Proof, and O’Malley’s recent setback in the octagon. O’Malley lost his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili in September 2024, marking a significant moment in his career that necessitated a period of regrouping and reflection.
Upon discovering the reference, O’Malley wasted no time in expressing his admiration for the legendary rapper. He took to Eminem’s Instagram post to leave a simple yet impactful goat emoji, signifying his respect for Eminem and acknowledging the honor of being mentioned in the song. This gesture highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that can exist between artists across different fields.
Fans of both Eminem and O’Malley are reveling in this unexpected collaboration, which showcases the resilience and determination shared by both figures. Eminem’s lyrics resonate deeply within the MMA community, particularly with fighters who understand the importance of bouncing back from adversity. The social media buzz surrounding O’Malley’s response has further amplified the crossover appeal, as supporters from both fan bases celebrate this unique moment.
As the worlds of hip-hop and MMA continue to intertwine, moments like these remind fans of the universal themes of struggle and perseverance that resonate across artistic and athletic realms. Whether you are a die-hard hip-hop fan or an avid MMA supporter, the collaboration in “Animals” serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of both Eminem and Sean O’Malley, making it a track worth listening to.