When Aljamain Sterling looks at the UFC 299 fight card and learns the promotion’s plans for Sean O’Malley’s preliminary title defense against Marlon Vera, he can’t help but notice a strange coincidence. O’Malley defeated Aljamain at UFC 292 via TKO and became the new UFC Bantamweight Champion. The decisive moment came when Sterling tried too hard with a left hand, and “Sugar” landed a nonstop counter strike to his jaw. The result surprised fellow fighters and fans, with many expressing their immediate reaction on social media. O’Malley won the title at the age of 28 and is now the youngest champion on the UFC roster.
After the event, “The Funk Master” revealed that he had agreed to face O’Malley on short notice while he was dealing with a long-term injury, but he did not see significant benefit from the pay-per-view. Sterling is now moving up in weight to challenge Kelvin Kattar at UFC 300. However, he once again criticized the notion of his opponent’s ability.
Sterling about the upcoming UFC 299
The former Bantamweight champion commented on the upcoming UFC 299 event, specifically the Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera rematch for the title. He finds it amusing that the UFC has stacked the cards heavily to emphasize O’Malley as a draw. Despite the entertainment value, Sterling expressed doubts about Sean’s durability and mental toughness, suggesting that Vera could exploit these aspects in a five-round fight.
“I think ‘Chito’ is going to have to play the long game, I think his gas tank will start to take over. But I don’t think Sean is as durable and I don’t think mentally he is tough. I think the jury’s still out.” said Sterling
The former champion about “Chito”
He believes that Marlon needs to play the long game and rely on his gas tank to take down “Sugar.” Sterling pointed to examples of O’Malley’s previous fights where he had looked less flexible, citing his previous loss to Vera at UFC 252. However, he acknowledged Sean’s skills and sees him as the better-skilled fighter in the rematch.
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While acknowledging O’Malley’s ability to cause major damage, Sterling also noted his footwork and the energy expenditure associated with cutting weight. He emphasized that if O’Malley is ineffective in his energy output, “Chito” can take advantage of the situation. Aljamain concluded by expressing uncertainty about picking a winner of the O’Malley vs. Vera matchup but highlighted Vera’s proven and tested track record as a potential difference-maker.
