‘He’s the Real Deal’-Sean O’Malley Says Aljamain Sterling Is the Legitimate Champion

Sean O’Malley is one of the most marketable fighters in the UFC’s bantamweight division. His funky hairstyle, coupled with his theatrics, makes him one to watch out for. O’Malley is very active on social media platforms and remains in touch with his fans through his podcasts. The fighter, who has an eye on all the happenings at bantamweight, spoke about the situation at the very top.

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, “Sugar” was asked for his opinion on the Aljamain Sterling (20-3) and Petr Yan (16-2) rematch.

He replied, “You know, I think Aljo’s gonna have to go in there with a different style or a different mindset, game, game plan. You know, he kind of went out there and emptied his tank early. And I think now going into that fight he knows he’s not gonna be able to take out Petr but that way he’s not be able to go out-wrestle him and just do that.”

O’Malley added “So, you know I am gonna go with Petr but Aljo’s you know he’s legit, he’s the real deal he’s the you know like champ and number one spot whatever he is but he is up there, he’s legitimate. And I don’t think it’s an easy fight for Petr, but uh yeah, I think Petr will probably get the job done again or this time.”

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“Funk Master” is the reigning UFC bantamweight champion; Petr Yan is the interim champion in the division. Sterling secured the title after Yan got disqualified for using an illegal knee at their UFC 259 bout in March 2021.

Sean O’Malley will fight Raulian Paiva at UFC 269

O’Malley is far away from the title bout. However, he will look to move a step closer with a win at UFC 269. “Sugar” Sean O’Malley will fight against Raulian Paiva on the main card of this Saturday’s UFC 269.

The 27-year-old (14-1) has secured two consecutive wins in 2021. He beat Kris Moutinho and Thomas Almeida. These wins have come off the back of his sole MMA defeat- against Marlon Vera at UFC 252.

Meanwhile, Raulian Paiva will look to continue his winning spree and enter the prestigious top 15 to further elevate his status and solidify his position to contend for the championship.

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Can O’Malley stop Paiva and finish 2021 undefeated? Also, what do you make of his words on Aljamain Sterling? Tell us in the comments below.