Sean O’Malley Is Preparing to Be the Backup for Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo: “I’ll Be Ready to Go Just in Case”

Sean O’Malley has had his sights set on Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo for a while now, and with his contract renewed, it seemed like the opportunity for a fight was finally within reach. However, the announcement of a May fight between Sterling and Cejudo has thrown a wrench in the works. Despite the numerous delays, the fight looks set to finally happen. But never one to sit on his laurels, ‘Suga’ is preparing for all eventualities, sharpening his skills and staying in top shape just in case the fight between Sterling and Cejudo hits a roadblock.

He’s keeping his options open, ready to step up to the plate if needed. However, he still has his own reservations and objections to fill in the gap if that’s what is going to happen.

Sean O’Malley gets going for Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo

During episode 95 of his podcast, The BrO’Malley Show, ‘Suga’ talked about the fight between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo that is yet to be officially announced. Speaking of which, the Helena native said, “It (Sterling vs. Cejudo) is in May. It was supposed to be in March, got pushed back to April, got pushed back to May. The UFC said this is it, if it doesn’t happen here, we got- something has to happen.”

He further added, “So, I wanna be kind of ready. I’m not gonna be officially back up. But I am going to be in shape. I’ll be sparring. I’ll be ready to go just in case.”

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Having said that, Sean O’Malley also has his own reasons to not vouch for being the ‘backup’ for Sterling vs. Cejudo. However ready, the 28-year-old feels his current position does not permit the idea of being a backup fighter.

Too “prime” for a backup fighter

Sean O’Malley would do what is needed in preparation from his end for backing up for Sterling vs. Cejudo and is up for the call in May. However, the 28-year-old isn’t voluntarily looking forward to anything to that to be the case. And upon discussing that, O’Malley said, “I just think for what they would pay for a backup fighter. I’m in a position financially to where I don’t need that. It’s not gonna benefit me.”

He also stated how he didn’t see any ‘worth’ in that opportunity.

The 28-year-old further stated, “I do feel like I am in my prime, I feel like I’m f*cking- you know, I just don’t- It’s just not worth it for me. I’d rather just be in shape, be ready to go in case something happens.”

Sean O’Malley certainly hoped to fight either Aljamain Sterling or Henry Cejudo, but not as a backup fighter. Perhaps he’ll have to wait and be on the lookout for some other fighter till he is offered the opportunity to fight either of the two in the future. And given his current position, he could have a good enough opponent that could fill the void for him.

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