Aljamain Sterling risked losing his bantamweight title in front of home crowd, but he held off Henry Cejudo and managed to retain his gold strap successfully. But Sean O’Malley has already asked for a title shot after the two fighters got into a verbal altercation in the octagon last night, so Funk Master already has a new assignment ahead of him.
Funk Master, the current bantamweight champion, and Triple C, former flyweight and bantamweight champion, squared off in the main event of UFC 288 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. With scores of 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47, the judges awarded Sterling a split decision victory.
Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O’Malley next #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/usqAA8nHLR
— Helen Yee (@HelenYeeSports) May 7, 2023
What did Sean O’Malley say to Aljamain Sterling when they collided in the octagon?
Sterling was talking about his fight strategy against Triple C with Joe Rogan in the octagon interview after successfully defending the title for the third time. The New Yorker called out Sean as his next significant opponent in the octagon. Sitting just in front of the cage, Sean was already enjoying the fight night.
When Joe claimed that Sean would arrive any moment, O’Malley hurried to the cage and began trading jabs with the current bantamweight champion. Throughout the minute-long verbal sparring, Sugar made it very apparent that he is deserving of a title fight versus Sterling now.
“You better be ready to go again. Soon, real soon. Get ready to cut weight real soon, baby. You’d better look better than that, b****. You better look better than that.” Sean said.
Sean O'Malley's ready for his shot at Aljamain Sterling 👀 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/K2WdnLb08u
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Dana White, who adores athletes with such a brazen and confrontational attitude, observed the encounter between two of the best bantamweights while standing very close to them. Officials had to separate the two division toppers as their argument quickly started to get physical and Sterling began to rant at Sugar.
Sean O’Malley may receive a title shot in the latter half of this year, the UFC president confirmed later in the press conference. What do you think about Sugar taking on the Funk Master for the bantamweight glory? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.
