UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling made a bold claim about bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley. Aljo expressed his belief that O’Malley is too weak to compete in the division and claimed he would break his ribs easily.
UFC 273 co-main event featured a bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan. After clashing for 5 rounds, Sterling was announced as the victor via split decision. The result of the rematch surprised many MMA fans as the underdog champion came out as the winner. This result caused controversy – many fans think that Petr Yan won in most of the rounds.
Aljamain Sterling recently discussed Sean O’Malley with Joe Rogan during his appearance at the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. ‘Funk Master’ explained how he always feels like O’Malley is looking so weak.
Sean O’Malley is standing tall at 5ft 11in (180cm). He is way taller compared to other bantamweight fighters who are averaging 5ft 7in (170cm). With that height, ‘Sugar’ appears skinnier than most of his opponents in the division.
Seeing O’Malley with that physical appearance, Sterling claimed he would easily lock O’Malley and break his ribs.
“I feel like If I grab that guy and put a bodylock on that guy I’d probably break his ribs and get a submission win with a standing bodylock.” Sterling said.
Sean O’Malley is a promising fighter in the division. However, the 27-year-old is working up to his next contract. He joined the UFC in 2018 after a stint on Contender series and has gone 6-1 with most fights ending via finishes. He defeated Raulan Paiva at UFC 269 last December and currently ranked number 13 in the bantamweight rankings.
Aljamain Sterling is expecting one of the two top contenders to be his next opponent, TJ Dillashaw or Jose Aldo.
“I think they know who’s the money fight and who moves the needle. I don’t know if it’s Aldo who moves the needle. I know T.J. definitely moves the needle, you can ask USADA.” Sterling said.