Kyler Murray knows the feeling of running out of a tunnel before an NFL game.

But the Cardinals quarterback -- and noted Ultimate Fighting Championship fan -- becomes poetic when describing the times he is octagon-side amid the pomp and circumstance of a UFC fighter approaching a bout.

"Watching those guys walk out, honestly, I get emotional whenever they win championships (and hearing) 'and newwwww,' because I understand how much work gets put into it," Murray said. "Seeing those dudes, (and) the blood, sweat, and tears, and just the emotions they have after the belt gets put around them, it's a special thing.

"That's what we should all strive to be is champions. That's my goal. I feel like I relate to the work that's being put in."

Murray and the Cardinals had their first practice post-preseason on Wednesday, their first game in Buffalo 10 days away. But after practice, many of the fight fans were thrilled to get a visit from the UFC Bantamweight champ, "Suga" Sean O'Malley.

On Sept. 14, in the main event of Noche UFC, O'Malley -- likely repping his trademark colorful hair -- will walk to the octagon to defend his belt against Merab Dvalishvili.

In his world, O'Malley sees plenty of physicality and strength on display. But when he stepped onto the field at the Dignity Health Training Center, he was surprised.

"It always trips me out when people are huge fans, especially when they're 6-foot-4 250 pounds, and they're pumped to meet the Suga show," said O'Malley, who lives and trains in the West Valley. "But it's really cool. Overall, it was just an incredible day."

A line of players stood at the corner of the field to shake hands with O'Malley and snap a photo with O'Malley's championship belt. Even Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort spent time chatting with the fighter.

O'Malley gifted Murray with his own UFC belt, and Murray, in exchange, signed a jersey for the champ. Murray said there was a spot in his office where the belt will be displayed.

After practice, O'Malley caught a couple of passes from Murray, tried to pass rush against Will Hernandez with tips from Dennis Gardeck, and chopped it up with Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr.

O'Malley was born in Montana but has lived in Arizona for the past decade. While he grew up a Broncos fan, following in his mother's footsteps, he lost touch with the sport once he began training. In fact, like many young kids, playing in the NFL was his first dream.

"(These drills) are probably the closest I'll get to being in the NFL, but I'll take it," he said.

With a Cardinals team that is on the rise, O'Malley has switched his allegiance to the new home team.

"The Cardinals are my team now," O'Malley said. "I live 20 minutes from the stadium. I've been here for ten years, so this feels like home and I'm excited to get back into it and have a team to root for."

UFC Noche will be a monumental day for live sports since the event will be held at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the first live sporting event to be held at the venue.

"It'll probably hit me after when I see the highlights of me knocking (Dvalishvili) out," O'Malley said. "But right now it's no different than fighting in T-Mobile Arena or Boston or Miami. I'm getting into a same-size cage and doing what I do."

With an 18-1 record (don't ask about the loss -- he will tell you he's undefeated after avenging his defeat to Marlon "Chito" Vera this past March), O'Malley, who is "known for shutting people's lights off," is predicting a first or second-round knockout.

"Sean is one of the best and his ability to do what he does and find people's chins," Murray said. "At his size, the way he does it and the swag that he does it with, it's fun to watch."

Hernandez is from Las Vegas and has tons of respect for O'Malley, especially considering he's in the main event on a fight card that's intended to pay homage to Mexican Independence Day weekend.

"The Mexican fans love Sean O'Malley," Hernandez said. "We are, by breed, just scrappy people, and we work hard. That's exactly what he does in there. He's a big representation of us."

The fight will take place the night before the Cardinals welcome the Rams to town for the 2024 home opener at State Farm Stadium. Whether it's against the Rams or one of the other home outings, O'Malley shared his interest in attending a game.

But first, he has business to handle at The Sphere.

"It's going to feel good knocking him out, boom, and then looking over at (Dvalishvili's) team just devastated," O'Malley said. "I'm going to enjoy that a lot."