Sean O’Malley defeated Petr Yan in a split decision at UFC 280, and he is now confident enough that he can fight current bantamweight champion Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling and win a UFC championship.
Fans were thrilled to witness top bantamweight contenders Petr Yan and Sean O’Malley battle for three full rounds for the championship at UFC 280.
O’Malley defeated the No. 1 contender, whether you agree with the outcome or not. O’Malley was No. 11 in the weight class prior to the fight, but he is now set to face Aljamain Sterling to clinch the title.
Even though the odds are in his favor, O’Malley’s performance does not make him a tough opponent for the title, despite he has triumphed over a number of fights.
Considering the division and fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Marlon Vera, who are coming off impressive wins and were ranked No. 3 and No. 5 before Saturday and have earned their way up and both deserve a shot.
It’s unfortunate that O’Malley was given a fast road to a bout with the No. 1 contender after a no-contest, and that he will battle for the belt after a highly questionable victory.
While the UFC is no new to bad judgments, this one stands out because of how drastically it changes the division’s landscape.
Being fair, O’Malley did demonstrate that he is a member of the elite. Many have questioned his talent and how he would do against top competition, and he has provided a clear response. He can compete with the greatest, despite the hype.
If Sean O’Malley is the next man up, he’ll fight Aljamain Sterling, who dominated TJ Dillashaw at UFC 280, finishing the former two-time champion in the second round.
Sean O’Malley: The Rise of a Champion!
O’Malley will undoubtedly be in front of the line when he faces reigning champion Aljamain Sterling after defeating the division’s top contender. When asked how he views his future, “Sugar” stated he’d like to recover first, but he’ll be the new bantamweight champion shortly.
“It’s inevitable,” O’Malley said at the UFC 280 post-fight press conference. “I turn 28 (Sunday), and I’m going to be in this sport for a long time. People want me to be champ, so it’s going to happen sooner or later.” “‘Kick his legs,’ was the first one. Now it’s ‘You can’t just kick his legs and take him down.’ Petr kicked my legs and took me down, and still (I) won. So yeah, I’m answering questions little by little.”
A young star who rises from No. 11 to UFC champion in just two fights is sure to make a lot of money.
O’Malley has the looks, personality, and skills that might make him the organization’s next cash cow, so they’re betting the farm on him.
