The bantamweight division has a new enforcer! Sean O’Malley shocked the world as he defeated Aljamain Sterling and claimed UFC gold at UFC 292 on August 19 at the TD Garden in Boston. The PPV headliner was a perfect entertainment recipe for the fans: a high-paced action fight with fireworks on offer. The fans went into a frenzy as ‘Suga’ left the arena with the bantamweight strap on his waist.
Notably, both fighters have been at each other’s throats ever since UFC 288 confirmed the next bantamweight title clash. While Sterling came into the fight on the heels of three successful defenses, O’Malley sat out for almost a year, ever since putting aside Petr Yan. However, it was O’Malley who struck his way to victory and ended Sterling’s reign at the top.
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Notably, O’Malley won the fight in the second round with TKO and became the undisputed bantamweight champion.
What happened in the fight between Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292?
Sterling assumed the aggressor’s role and pushed forward with low kicks, mixing those with high-body kicks. In return, O’Malley relied on his high-precision strikes and also feinted shots. However, Sterling bagged the first round with clinching strikes.
In the second round, Sterling rushed in for a takedown, but O’Malley resisted the takedown. What followed next was beyond the fans’ expectations. He caught Sterling’s right punch and landed one of his own, and that proved to be critical. He followed up with ground-and-pound, and the referee intervened to stop the fight.
In the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, he declared, “It’s just the beginning of the Suga era.”
Further, he hinted at his next fight. He wanted revenge for the only loss of his professional MMA career, which came against Marlon Vera. He declared, “I whoop Chito’s as* in December in Vegas an.t T-Mobile”. Amusingly, Vera also fought under the same card and collected a sound victory, thus setting a fight for the title next.
How did the fans react to O’Malley’s knockout win?
Some fans didn’t take kindly the message the new champion sent to Vera. Some fans believed he was dodging a rematch with Sterling.
Bye bye!!!! Sugar show baby! Get that fake champ outta here!!
— LuckyNhiev (@LuckyNhiev) August 20, 2023
He is afraid to fight Aljo with a ref that won't stop it early.
— Arthur (@ArthurBaitson) August 20, 2023
no way aljo dosent get a immediate rematch right ?
— Bableezy (@bableezy) August 20, 2023
Some fans pointed out he should fight Merab Dvalishvili, who is the number one contender.
No he dodging Merab 😂 he scared lmao
— 𝟑𝒃𝒛 (@ReecesEra) August 20, 2023
Lol very telling that he calls out Vera instead of Dvalishvilli who literally stole his jacket. Be real unfortunate to have Vera get over two guys ranked higher than him for a title shot. Especially since one of those guys (Sandhagen) beat Vera.
— Rich Diaz (@Pepesilvia121) August 20, 2023
Lastly, some fans expressed excitement about the rematch involving O’Malley and Vera.
That would be an amazing rematch! Can’t wait for that! 🙌🔥
— Dr Money Trees (@DrMoneyTrees) August 20, 2023
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Sean will piece Chito up with ease now, Chito is no where near active enough in fights to take Sean out
— Saint📸 (@SaintDeBronx) August 20, 2023
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What do you make of this exciting fight at UFC 292? Let us know in the comments below.
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