Tonight, Aljamain Sterling put his bantamweight title on the line, but he managed to hold off Henry Cejudo and safeguard his gold strap. But during the octagon interview, the Funk Master called out Sean O’Malley, and the two fighters got into a verbal brawl.
In the main event of UFC 288 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Sterling, the current bantamweight champion, and Triple C, a former flyweight and bantamweight champion, fought for the ultimate glory. The judges gave Sterling a split decision victory against the returning bantamweight kingpin with scores of 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47.
Merab đđ #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/yAOxyyjsPB
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
How did Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling get into a verbal altercation in the octagon?
Currently, Sean O’Malley is among the best competitors in the bantamweight division. Suger has also mentioned in recent interviews that he thinks he might soon become the face of UFC.
While discussing the battle plan and praising Triple C in the octagon interview with Joe Rogan, Sterling also made a reference to Sean. Joe gave Funk Master the assurance that Sugar was there at the arena and would enter the octagon soon.
O’Malley rushed to the octagon and started exchanging fiery words with the reigning bantamweight king saying, “You better be ready to go again. Soon, real soon. Get ready to cut weight real soon, baby. You’d better look better than that, b****. You better look better than that.”
Sean O'Malley's ready for his shot at Aljamain Sterling đ #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/K2WdnLb08u
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Sean’s indication is clear as he definitely wants to get a title fight against Aljamain at this point. In the ranking, Sugar is right after Merab Dvalishvili, hence with four fight win streak it only makes sense if Sean gets a shot at the title next. However, Sterling blamed Sugar for not utilizing his chance when he had.
“So whyâd you run? Whyâd you turn down the title shot? Thatâs what I thought. You’ve had a whole year to work on your jiu-jitsu. Now Daddy Dana (UFC chief) ain’t gonna babysit that a** no more.” Sterling said.
The verbal feud escalated quickly between the bantamweight toppers. Officials had to separate them as Sterling started to yell at Sugar saying,” Because I’d drag your a** up and down this octagon. Get the f*** out my cage.”
Dana White says that he wants to book Aljamain Sterling vs Sean OâMalley for August for #UFC292 in Boston #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/zE9Pzg1zCD
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 7, 2023
The most recent information provided by Dana White indicates that Aljamain Sterling will defend the title against Sean O’Malley on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Who do you predict will prevail in the battle? Let us know what you predict in the comments section.
