- John McCarthy weighed in on Sean O’Malley vs. Petr Yan fight at UFC 280
- Big John is certain “Sugar” isn’t ready for Aljamain Sterling yet
Despite the buzz, Sean O’Malley still copped the biggest win of his career at UFC 280 after securing a split decision victory over Petr Yan. Many believe it should’ve been the other way around but what remains certain at this point is that “Sugar” has taken a step closer to a potential title shot at reigning champion Aljamain Sterling.
Sharing his thoughts on the subject, John McCarthy said he respects the judges’ decision but he doesn’t think O’Malley is ready for a title fight yet.
Big John says no
Speaking on his Weighing In podcast, McCarthy reckoned he would love to see O’Malley and Yan run it back. The former UFC referee thought “Sugar” won Round 3 but Rounds 1 and 2 belonged to the Russian. Nevertheless, O’Malley’s performance wasn’t enough to convince McCarthy that he is already the next rightful title contender.
“I would like to see that fight again. I would love to see those guys fight again,” McCarthy said. “I had Sean winning the third round with the knee. I thought the knee hurt Yan and cut him good. It was the best blow of the round. Yan got the takedown and stuff, but I thought Sean had done enough to win that third round. But I don’t think he’d won the first and second…but judges gave it him, so good job for you Sean O’Malley, congratulations! Moving on, I dont think he’s ready for Aljamain Sterling yet though. I don’t think that’s a smart fight for him to take at this time.”
Sugar needs some more pushing
McCarthy added that he knows Sterling vs. O’Malley is want the fans want, but he thinks “Sugar” needs to take on another top contender that would “push” him a little bit more.
“If I’m Dana White, I’d make the fight [laughs], but if I’m Sean, I want another fight first,” McCarthy explained. “And I want it against someone that I think is someone that can push me a little bit.”
Whether McCarthy’s unsolicited advice to O’Malley was on point or not, it appears that a title fight is imminent as “Sugar” has now become the bantamweight’s No. 1 contender. Let’s see how things would play out.
