Aljamain Sterling is now aiming high after successfully making his third title defense at bantamweight division. Funk Master during the post-fight press conference hinted that after facing Sean O’Malley, he would embark on a featherweight journey.
In front of his hometown crowd at UFC 288’s main event in Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, reigning bantamweight champion Sterling defeated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo. Sterling defeated the former bantamweight kingpin in split decision with scores of 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47.
Sterling with the cold Sean O’Malley callout.🥶 pic.twitter.com/m7TB2JOsGv
— UNKNOWN🥷 (@saucyosxma) May 7, 2023
Beating Triple C wasn’t quite enough as the Funk Master, though, already has a new task ahead of him because Sean O’Malley has asked for a title shot following their last night’s verbal clash in the octagon. A title shot is due for Sugar since O’Malley unquestionably ranks among the finest fighters in the bantamweight division.
What did Aljamain Sterling say about his rivalry with Sean O’Malley?
During his octagon interview with Joe Rogan, Sterling called out Sean. The 33-year-old fighter had to go into depth about his rivalry with Sugar in the post-fight news conference as earlier O’Malley raced to the octagon and began trading scathing barbs with the reigning bantamweight champion.
“My thoughts on Sean O’Malley is that motherf***** is frail. You think if I could take down a short stocky guy like Henry, who’s actually a gold medalist and has good takedown defense, what am I gonna do to Sean O’Malley? ” Sterling said.
Dana said this fight, Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley, he wants to make it in August, in Boston. UFC 292 August 19th pic.twitter.com/zNfebjYVAI
— Meni Mayer (@MayerMeni) May 7, 2023
Sterling will most likely face O’Malley on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Boston’s TD Garden to defend his title for the fourth time, according to the most recent information given by Dana White after the UFC 288 press conference.
“Yeah, he’s been promised a title shot. You either want to swim with the big boys, or you don’t. If not, get the f*** out of the pool, go up a weight class or some s***. Don’t keep sitting around here, talking and barking and not saddling up and taking the opportunities that are given.” Sterling added.
Aljamain Sterling predicts Sean O'Malley will be an easy night at the office. 😤#UFC288 | Full story: https://t.co/dMSAUHBcd5 pic.twitter.com/lIbA2WO7zv
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 8, 2023
The bantamweight rankings presently have Sugar in second place. During his four years with the promotion, the 28-year-old fighter engaged in 9 fights, winning 7 of them. Petr Yan, the former champion of the division, was defeated by Sean O’Malley in UFC 280, many believe that O’Malley has already proven himself to be worthy of a championship chance.
What does Funk Master have planned for the future?
Since Sean has a four-fight winning streak and ranked just after Merab Dvalishvili, it only makes sense for Sean to challenge the throne next. When they square up in the octagon, The Funk Master hopes to teach Sugar a lesson before beginning his new journey in the featherweight division.
” I plan on fighting O’Malley then going up and chasing Volkanovski. I’m taking Henry’s blueprint. I’ve been humbled by this sport, and I think O’Malley needs to be humbled again. I guess him breaking his foot against [Maron Vera] wasn’t enough for him, so I’ve got to do it again to him.” Sterling continued.
"I plan on fighting O'Malley then going up and chasing Volkanovski. I'm taking Henry's blueprint."
Aljamain Sterling plans to vacate the 135-pound belt after one more fight. 😳#UFC288 | Full video: https://t.co/X8uyyE8b8u pic.twitter.com/ynjbQLbIb4
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 7, 2023
Have the impending bantamweight super fights piqued your interest? Do you believe the fight between Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling will be exciting? Kindly share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
