Discover who Sean O’Malley will face in his first title defense as the newly crowned UFC bantamweight world champion. Will it be Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, Aljamain Sterling, or Merab Dvalishvili? Find out now!
Newly crowned UFC bantamweight world champion Sean O’Malley is basking in the glory of his recent victory. On August 19, O’Malley showcased his skills in the main event at UFC 292, aiming to hand Aljamain Sterling his first loss in over five years. In a stunning display of power and precision, O’Malley delivered a devastating counter right hand that sent Sterling crashing to the canvas.
With this victory, O’Malley not only secured the bantamweight title but also earned a spot on the UFC’s pound-for-pound list, ranking at No. 8. The win caused a shift in the bantamweight rankings, with Sterling now holding the No. 1 spot and Merab Dvalishvili moving up to No. 2.
Looking ahead, O’Malley wasted no time in calling for a rematch with Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera , the only fighter to have defeated him in the Octagon. The proposed rematch is set to take place in December at UFC 296. However, rumors suggest that Sterling may be granted an immediate rematch in early 2024.
Another potential opponent for O’Malley is Dvalishvili, although it seems that Dvalishvili is content to observe O’Malley’s first title defense before making any decisions. Additionally, the ever-present Henry Cejudo, a former two-division champion, is also eyeing a shot at UFC gold despite his previous loss to Sterling.
The question remains: Who will O’Malley face in his first title defense? Fans eagerly await the announcement, as O’Malley’s electrifying fighting style and rising star status make him a must-watch competitor in the bantamweight division.
| Fighter | Result |
|---|---|
| Aljamain Sterling | Defeated by Sean O’Malley |
| Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera | Defeated Sean O’Malley |
| Merab Dvalishvili | Ranked No. 2 in bantamweight division |
