In the Clinch: O’Malley Heavy Underdog Vs. Sterling, UFC 292 – According to the experts, challenger Sean O’Malley is in tough against defending bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292.
Sterling (23-3-0), 34, and his exquisite combination of striking and grappling presents some serious challenges for O’Malley (16-1-0, 1 NC), 28. He is known primarily as a striker – at least on paper.
Then there is the experience factor, with Sterling overcoming opponents like Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, Henry Cejudo, Cory Sandhagen, and Pedro Munhoz. In those fights, Sterling dealt with both elite striking and grappling in succession.
So, it’s likely Sterling will be looking for the takedown at almost every opportunity.
O’Malley’s resume is frankly not nearly as impressive, with a narrow split-decision win over Yan standing out. It makes you wonder if O’Malley has something specially prepared for Sterling for Saturday in Boston.
You have to give “Sugar” credit for wanting to take on the best of the division faster than he probably should. A competitive loss likely would not hurt him much, as he is expected to lose. Then again, if he can shock the world, it would launch him into a full-blown superstar.
Stranger things have happened.
Leon Edwards shocked Kamaru Usman and surprised him with his ground game. If O’Malley’s takedown defense can hold up, he does have the striking to catch Sterling or at least keep him honest.
But I feel like Sterling, who said he is likely to move up to featherweight after this fight, will be too much for O’Malley. He will have teammate Chris Weidman, there cheering him on and he usually does not beat himself. His team will have him prepared.
O’Malley needs to be prepared to take advantage of any Sterling mistake, particularly early on. Do not let Sterling bank up rounds, use your speed, keep the fight standing, and be aggressive.
Glory awaits the winner.
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