Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley came face-to-face for the last time before meeting inside the Octagon.
On Saturday night, August 19, Sterling looks to defend his bantamweight title for the fourth time by securing a win in the UFC 292 main event. It’ll be easier said than done for ‘Funk Master,’ as O’Malley has solidified himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.
After successfully making weight on Friday morning, Sterling and O’Malley faced off during the UFC 292 ceremonial weigh-ins. As soon as they came face-to-face, ‘Funk Master’ began talking trash, while ‘Sugar’ kept a straight face with his hands behind his back. Sterling continued to talk until the intense faceoff was separated.
Aljamain Sterling could solidify himself as the greatest bantamweight of all time with a win at UFC 292. Since becoming the 135-pound king, ‘Funk Master’ has established an impressive resume with title defenses against Petr Yan, TJ Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo.
Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley has an opportunity to continue evolving into a worldwide superstar. The 28-year-old last fought in October 2022, defeating Petr Yan by a split decision. O’Malley’s latest win extended his UFC record to 8-1 (one no-contest), with his only loss being against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera in August 2020.
FUNK MASTER vs SUGA SEAN FOR THE WORLD TITLE 🏆@FunkMasterMMA and @SugaSeanMMA for the bantamweight throne TOMORROW!
[ 10pmET / 7pmPT | LIVE on @ESPNPlus PPV: https://t.co/wE9PL5aRTn ] pic.twitter.com/xyreqH3qaW
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2023
Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley provide statements after final faceoff
Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley have endured plenty of interviews and media obligations during the buildup to UFC 292. As a result, the world-class bantamweight fighters didn’t have much to say to Joe Rogan after their final faceoff. O’Malley started by saying:
“Boston, are you ready to watch me knock this dude out? See you tomorrow night.”
Suga Sean makes his gameplan clear for #UFC292 👀 pic.twitter.com/o3x5oKNZOD
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2023
Sterling followed and had this to say while boos filled the venue:
“Tomorrow night, I make history. I become the four-time defending champion, stacking those resumes, getting another ruby to that belt. Guess what? Tomorrow night, I want y’all to do me a song favor.”
‘Funk Master’ concluded by singing the following quote:
“Say goodbye to Sean O’Malley. August 19th, he’s facing a beast. Funk Master is coming for those cheeks. Let’s go.”
Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley will be a matchup of contrasting styles on Saturday night. Sterling looks to utilize his grappling skills, while O’Malley plans to knock out the bantamweight king with his flashy striking. It’ll be intriguing to see who emerges victorious inside the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
The champ's coming to make history!@FunkMasterMMA coming for his fourth title defense tomorrow at #UFC292 pic.twitter.com/ws5MYskSZX
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2023
