UNITED STATES: At UFC 292, Sean O’Malley proved all the hype was true as he knocked out bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling in Round 2 of their main event fight at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Despite doubts about his championship capabilities, O’Malley, 28, silenced skeptics by landing a perfectly executed right hand on Sterling’s chin and finishing the fight with additional punches. The sight of O’Malley dropping Sterling was reminiscent of Conor McGregor’s historic title win in 2015.
Sean O’Malley effectively kept Sterling’s strong wrestling at bay, using strategic direction changes and maintaining offensive patience to land the winning punch.
In his post-fight interview, Sean O’Malley expressed his nervousness before the bout, praising Sterling as the greatest bantamweight of all time. He emphasized his belief in his ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes due to his skills.
Sean O’Malley’s popularity in the UFC has made him a crossover star, but some have questioned his potential as a champion. Nonetheless, O’Malley’s victory over Sterling put those doubts to rest as he declared the “Suga era” had begun, aiming to dominate until 2035.
Sterling had planned to move up to featherweight post-UFC 292, but Sean O’Malley’s KO loss made him reconsider, acknowledging O’Malley’s skill and expressing respect. O’Malley has already called out Marlon Vera for a rematch, seeking redemption for his sole loss in 19 professional fights.
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