Trash-talking is as much a part of the UFC as the fights themselves, adding fuel to the fire and amping up the intensity. But sometimes, the banter spills over, and even the coaches get in on the action. That’s exactly what’s been happening between Sean O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, and Aljamain Sterling, whose rivalry has been simmering for quite some time.
This feud hit a new high after O’Malley lost his belt at UFC 306. Sterling took to X to stoke the flames, firing back with a sharp reply that added yet another layer to their ongoing beef. With O’Malley no longer the champ, the tension between Sterling and Welch has only intensified.
Aljamain Sterling claps back at Tim Welch
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The featherweight fighter posted on X after UFC 306 concluded and said, “I want to say I respect him for being a fighter during his time, but I also want to say he’s a disgrace to how a coach should be. Let the fighters do the chirping. Justgoofy energy. Maybe one day we’ll have a beer and laugh at it.”
I want to say I respect him for being a fighter during his time, but I also want to say he’s a disgrace to how a coach should be. Let the fighters do the chirping. Just goofy energy. Maybe one day we’ll have a beer and laugh at it. https://t.co/zWOVtirzIb
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 15, 2024
The three-time undisputed, UFC champ congratulated the Georgian fighter who is also his teammate, and even posted on X. He spoke about how Dvalushvili struggled and became a gym coach as well as a construction worker but ultimately succeeded in fulfilling his dream. On the other hand, he also addressed his rift with Tim Welch who is Sean O’Malley’s coach.
There was recently an incident where both Sterling and ‘The Machine’ had a confrontation with some of ‘Sugar’s’ friends. The Georgian fighter was interacting with some of his fans when O’Malley’s friends started disrespecting him. The ‘Funk Master’ was not having it, and soon there was an alteration. On top of that, Sterling is not just supporting his friend but is also taking out his anger on his former opponent. He had lost to Sean O’Malley before, and now his teammate was going to fight the same fighter, so he was going to defend his friend.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Sean O'Malley a disgrace to UFC, or is Aljamain Sterling just bitter after UFC 306?
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Meanwhile, he had also called out Tim Welch on his double standards before. Let’s see what that whole ordeal was about.
The Funk Master calls out Tim Welch on the latter’s mind games
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There was a previous video where the coach was addressing a tactic that might have helped ‘Sugar’ get his victory over Sterling. This is when Dvalishvili commented under the same video calling out O’Malley and his coach for a fight. The fighter received a scary remark from his opponent’s coach. Tim Welch made fun of Dvalishvili’s nose. “Are you that mad I said your nose is big brother?” wrote Welch.
This unwanted comment from the coach was uncalled for according to Sterling, and he took a stand. “Bro don’t even fight anymore and be talking shit, clout chasing. That shit might get both ya cheeks clapped Ya Diddy. Let your fighter talk shit, you don’t scrap anymore Jimmy Neutron,” said Aljamain Sterling in response to Welsh.
Welch fired back, insisting he was just stating the facts, but that’s when things got even more heated. The former champion couldn’t hold back, calling out Welch for his constant chatter during his fight with Sean O’Malley. In fact, things got so out of hand that even the referee had to step in and tell the coach to pipe down!
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The banter didn’t stop there, as the ex-bantamweight champ joined the fray, throwing his own jabs and daring Sterling to take the bait. But the tables have turned—Sterling’s friend has now answered the call in spectacular fashion at UFC 306, securing the bantamweight title for himself.
The question now is: how will Tim Welch and Sean O’Malley react to this dramatic shift? Will they be ready to respond, or has this victory left them with more questions than answers?
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Debate
Is Sean O'Malley a disgrace to UFC, or is Aljamain Sterling just bitter after UFC 306?