There was a time within the not-too-distant previous when Sean O’Malley was acknowledged as the most important star in blended martial arts (MMA), although “Suga” argued that former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, nonetheless had essentially the most field workplace clout.
However that was earlier than O’Malley misplaced his bantamweight title at UFC 306 final fall in Las Vegas. And regardless of his finest efforts, “Suga” didn’t reclaim the crown in his UFC 316 rematch, falling to Merab Dvalishvili by the use of third-round submission.
Does that imply the top of Dana White privilege?
“The UFC might be not going to do him one other layup favor when it comes to stylistic matchup,” former opponent, Aljamain Sterling, mentioned on his YouTube channel. “He’s going to should battle the hardest guys at this level. I’m curious to see what’s he going to appear to be in his strategy, what’s he going to vary, and can individuals have a look at his fashion now, and understand what I’ve been saying from earlier than years in the past: He’s good, however there’s a few issues. His fashion is excellent and catered to successful in opposition to guys who’re stationary fighters, they usually don’t transfer a complete lot and predominantly not a grappler and he seems to be like a world beater.”
UFC has been accused of handpicking opponents to make O’Malley “appear to be a famous person.”
“Now we’ve seen with some opposition and everybody type of figuring him out, within the prime 5 we all know is a special ball sport,” Sterling continued. “Similar to the Yan battle when he went from Pedro Munhoz to Yan. So, I’m curious to see how he’s going to bounce again. Even when he loses the subsequent one, will it’s an excellent efficiency? As a result of if he stays the identical, lots of people understand he’s good, however if you happen to do X, Y and Z like Mario Bautista, these are powerful fights for you. Kyler Phillips, these are powerful fights for you. Merab, Umar (Nurmagomedov), these are powerful fights. Even a Petr Yan, who’s slightly bit extra stationary, however as soon as he will get shifting and begins placing these arms on you, it’s a more durable battle for him.”
O’Malley barely squeaked previous “No Mercy” at UFC 280.
Regardless of his pair of losses to Dvalishvili, widely-considered to be the best bantamweight champion in historical past, O’Malley (18-3, 1 NC) continues to be ranked No. 1 at 135 kilos. However to Sterling’s level, “Suga” could must face No. 2-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov to maintain his place in line, a contest that might show to be his second-toughest battle to this point, stylistically talking.
For far more on O’Malley’s loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 316 click on right here.
