“They’ll Rather Strip Him Than Do an Interim” – Sean O’Malley Sees Grim Future for Aljamain Sterling as Championship Fight With Henry Cejudo Gets Delayed

Number one-ranked UFC Bantamweight Sean O’Malley never shies away from making big statements. The 28-year-old who’s coming off a fresh win against former champion Petr Yan, in a recent interview with The Schmo, talked about the future of the Bantamweight Division. Talking about his title ambitions, O’Malley also discussed the scenario regarding the fight between Henry Cejudo and Aljamain Sterling. He also opened up about a probable rematch with Chito Vera for the title while dismissing his interest in an interim belt.

Although the possible fight between Henry Cejudo and current champion Aljamain Sterling has not yet been decided upon, fans might believe that it could potentially stall the entire division. Naturally, the idea of an interim belt to keep the top contenders busy might sound like a decent idea.

Sean O’Malley on a possible fight for the Interim Bantamweight Champion

O’Malley who recently climbed up the rankings to claim the number-one spot in the division doesn’t seem too enticed by the idea. His argument is that the current 135lb champ, Aljamain Sterling, has no real reason to stall any upcoming fights. “Aljo’s not hurt, he’s not injured, there’s no real reason he’s not fighting. They’ll rather strip him than do an interim for a reason like that,” stated O’Malley.

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Although he also shared that he believes the fight will eventually play out. “I do think Henry Aljo happens and I think it happens later in March”

O’Malley talks about the Sterling and Cejudo fight and a possible rematch against Chito Vera

The Bantamweight division is clearly among the most competitive in the UFC currently. With serious contenders in the likes of Chito Vera, and Cory Sandhagen waiting for their shot at the title, O’Malley felt Sterling won’t remain the champ for too long. He feels Sterling might be stalling the fight with Cejudo to hold on to the title. “I think Aljo probably is trying to make the most out of being a champ ’cause he knows he’s not gonna last much longer,” remarked ‘Sugar’.

Talking about his title ambitions, the Dana White Contender Series graduate had an interesting angle to take. Although he wished the Cejudo vs Sterling fight would take place sooner; he also did not mind facing ‘Chito’ Vera in a rematch for the title.

“I am curious when that fight plays, hoping the sooner the better, that means I get to fight sooner. I am taking the winner of those two. Unless Aljo goes up to 145. Chito beats Cory, vacant belt, Suga vs f****g Chito in July, international fight week” O’Malley stated.

That might be a possibility if Sterling does move up a weight class. Although there are no developments pointing in that direction, a rematch between Chito and Sean sounds like an interesting matchup. O’Malley has clearly leveled up over the past few years and his win against Petr Yan, albeit a controversial one, took many by surprise.

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Although the fight between Sterling and Cejudo might take a bit longer than usual to play out; Sean O’Malley remains supremely confident that the belt will ultimately get wrapped around his belt.