UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling embarks on his fourth title defense, and he takes us inside his preparation with a video blog series “Road to Suga Show,” that can be seen on YouTube.
Sterling (23-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) faces “Suga” Sean O’Malley (16-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) in the main event of UFC 292 on August 19 in Boston. He has been the champion since March 2021, in that span, he has successfully defended his title against Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw and, most recently, Henry Cejudo.
After defeating Cejudo in April, O’Malley entered the cage to confront the champ. It was then confirmed that O’Malley would be the next challenger for Sterling’s title. O’Malley has tons of hype and fan support, but Sterling believes they are in completely different lanes.
“We are not the same,” Sterling said. “I’ve cut my teeth in this sport and in this division. What are we even talking about? I’ve got the resume.”
Sterling had to win five fights in row – including wins over Cory Sandhagen, Pedro Munhoz, Jimmie Rivera and Cody Stamann – to earn a shot at the title. He feels like O’Malley’s road has not been to the level that many title challengers have faced. “Suga” has earned victories over the likes of Kris Moutinho, Thomas Almedia, Eddie Wineland, and Raulian Paiva, all of whom are not in the promotion anymore.
“I don’t think Sean deserved this spot, but it doesn’t matter,” he said. “I heard this quote from someone that said, ‘It’s not about what you deserve, it’s about what you can negotiate,’ He is going to fail his first test come August 19.”
Despite his personal feelings for the O’Malley, Sterling realizes that he has an unorthodox opponent in front of him and assembled the collection of training partners to prepare him for battle.
“I have a hell of training camp going right now, in terms of training partners,” he said. “I have the Basharat brothers, Julian Erosa, Merab Dvalishivili from the sidelines, Patchy Mix. Tall, lanky guys. I think we did a good job of getting the proper bodies and looks that we are going to be able to see in this fight.”
O’Malley has talked up his submission skills, stating that people “sleep on his grappling.”
“I love his confidence,” Sterling said. “Bring that confidence on August 19. You’re gonna need that sh-t.”
