UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling (23-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) continues his preparation for the upcoming title bout against Sean O’Malley (16-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC), and brings another episode of “Road to Suga Show,” which can be found on his YouTube channel, FunkmasterMMA. Sterling takes us inside his training camp sessions, which include sparring, weight training and flow sparring.
Sterling’s attempts for his fourth title defense in the fight against O’Malley, which is about a month away, and now training camp has become even more detail-oriented. J.P. Buys, Dennis Buzukja, and others have been brought in to give him specific looks that he may see in the fight.
“The mindset for Aljo is we have to stay safe,” Buys said. “We have to understand the movement and the distance. We have to stay safe, implement his game, get on top, finish and win.”
“Sparring was really good today,” Sterling said. “We got some really good work in. Four rounds pushing the pace, just trying to get comfortable on the feet, working some of our striking and the looks that Sean is going to possibly bring to the cage, and also some things that he might not do that we try to sprinkle in there so we can leave no stones unturned.”
The striking that O’Malley brings to the table is high level. Combined with his length and movement, he is a very dangerous opponent. Sterling and his team recognize the threat that is in front of them, and the sparring sessions become very fight specific. They not only allow for Sterling to see what could be coming at him, but also how he can be very effective offensively.
“I’m about to get beat up by Aljo for five rounds which is always fun,” Buzukja said. “But that’s how you get better. I’m gonna give him some Sean O’Malley looks. Aljo is gonna put on the pressure and melt him. Another one in the books for the man.
“Dennis gave me some really good looks,” Sterling said. “Him pressuring me, me pressuring back trying to dictate when to shift the pressure.”
O’Malley, in terms of promotion, was thought to be the guy that would do most of the trash talk and draw much of the fan attention to the fight. It has been Sterling that has taken that spot with his vlogs, interactions on social media, and appearing at fights.
“His whole UFC reign is a fraud. Fraud! Now he has an opportunity to act like Conor, talk like Conor. … What’s he doing? Cricket, cricket, cricket,” Sterling said. “I’m going to ruin that man and remind him that he’s nothing like Conor.”
Many believe that this is the classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Sterling has separated himself from the rest of the division in the grappling department, while O’Malley has shown some electric striking in all of his fights. However, Sterling believes he can truly test O’Malley in the striking area.
“I think you guys are going to be pleasantly surprised by this fight,” Sterling said. “Obviously Sean is coming in as a striker and me as a grappler. You guys will be surprised because I think I’m going to sleep this man. I got some tricks up my sleeve. Stay tuned.
“I know Sean is a tough dude, he might not be the most qualified guy to be fighting for a world title, but he’s got some real serious skills, and I’m not taking him lightly. I’m looking to let him know there’s level to this game. We have six more weeks, man. This is where things start to ramp up and the days are just flying off the calendar, so I’m super excited.”
Check out the video above.
