Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley will headline UFC 292 with the bantamweight world championship up for grabs.
On the evening of May 16, Dana White announced a variety of must-see matchups, including the main event and co-main event for UFC 292 in Boston, Massachusetts. The August 19 event features the return of ‘Funk Master,’ who recently defended his 135-pound throne against Henry Cejudo by split decision on May 6.
Sterling’s fourth title defense will be against O’Malley, one of the biggest superstars in the UFC. ‘Sugar’ last fought in October 2022, defeating Petr Yan by split decision to become the number one contender at 135 pounds. The 28-year-old waited for ‘Funk Master’ to fight Cejudo and now gets his chance to create history inside TD Garden.
Since winning the bantamweight title by disqualification in March 2021, Sterling has proved the doubters wrong by continuing to defend his throne. The 33-year-old plans to add O’Malley to his resume that features title wins against Petr Yan, TJ Dillashaw, and Cejudo.
Meanwhile, O’Malley has a career-defining moment on August 19. ‘Sugar’ has established a massive fanbase, but there are still questions about his ability to become a world champion. If he can emerge victorious against Sterling, the Montana native would skyrocket his marketability with UFC gold around his waist.
THEY MEET AUGUST 19TH!!@FunkMasterMMA vs @SugaSeanMMA to headline #UFC292 in Boston! pic.twitter.com/m607pABVue
— UFC (@ufc) May 16, 2023
Weili Zhang vs. Amanda Lemos scheduled for UFC 292 co-main event
Dana White’s recent announcement revealed that UFC 292 will feature two world championship matchups. Before Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley goes down, Weili Zhang will defend the UFC women’s strawweight title for the first time since regaining the throne against Carla Esparza.
Zhang has been matched up against the number four-ranked Amanda Lemos. ‘Amandinha’ last fought in November 2022, defeating Marina Rodriguez with a fourth-round TKO. The 35-year-old Brazilian has the finishing ability to emerge victorious on August 19, but she will have her hands full, as ‘Magnum’ has evolved since losing against Rose Namajunas twice.
It was somewhat surprising to see Lemos get the next strawweight title shot. On May 6, Yan Xiaonan made a statement with a first-round knockout against Jessica Andrade to become the number three-ranked 115-pounder. With that said, ‘Amandinha’ earned her opportunity and plans to capitalize at UFC 292.
Boston we are BACK and we're bringing two titles fights with us!! 🏆@FunkMasterMMA vs @SugaSeanMMA@MMAWeili vs Amanda Lemos
Official for #UFC292 on August 19th! pic.twitter.com/YIX2bVv3iW
— UFC (@ufc) May 16, 2023
