5 blockbuster fights to book in the UFC bantamweight division
![UFC bantamweights Aljamain Sterling (left) and T.J. Dillashaw (right) [Image via @aquabuddha7 on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/04/54fb9-16501981036097-1920.jpg?w=500)
Since Henry Cejudo vacated the UFC bantamweight title in 2020, the 135-pound division has undergone quite a bit of change. After Cejudo's retirement, Petr Yan won the belt with a win over Jose Aldo but subsequently lost it to Aljamain Sterling, the sitting champion right now.
We've seen some of the biggest names in the division feature in the octagon over the last few months, further altering the status quo at 135 pounds. Most notably, Sterling regained undisputed status at the UFC 273 pay-per-view in April, defeating Yan via split decision.
A number of legitimate challengers are on the rise in this talent-filled weight class. These fighters are yet to be matched up and it remains to be seen how things will play out down the line. In a division brimming with world-class talent, almost every matchup will likely produce fireworks.
On that note, here are five fights to book in the UFC bantamweight division.
#5. Pedro Munhoz vs. Sean O'Malley
Sean O'Malley is among the most talked-about fighters on the UFC roster. The rising bantamweight star has a bigger online presence and fanbase than most champions in the promotion, largely thanks to his unique personality and penchant for highlight reel knockouts.
O'Malley is among the most dangerous strikers in the division. Victories over Jose Quinonez, Eddie Wineland, Thomas Almeida, Kris Moutinho and Raulian Paiva have seen the popular UFC bantamweight break into the top 15 at 135 pounds.
SUGA SEAN O'MALLEY IN ROUND ONE. BELIEVE THE HYPE. 🤯
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O'Malley, unlike most fighters, doesn't seem to have a problem slow-playing his career. He isn't in a rush to climb the bantamweight ladder and doesn't mind fighting unranked fighters either, which is evident in his callout of Adrian Yanez. Now ranked No.13, a booking against a fellow ranked fighter seems inevitable.
With his growing popularity, the promotion will likely give him a more well-known opponent next time around. However, the UFC brass are well aware that they will have a huge star on their hands if O'Malley can make it to the upper echelons of the division, and will likely give him a favorable matchup. Perennial contender Pedro Munhoz seems to fit the bill.
Munhoz has endured a horrid run of form of late. The Brazilian has lost four out of his last five fights, albeit against elite opposition. His last four defeats have come at the hands of top contenders Jose Aldo, Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar and Aljamain Sterling, all via decision. He currently occupies the No.9 spot in the rankings.
Pedro Munhoz is unbelievably tough and durable. He has never been finished in his professional MMA career, with all his losses coming via decision. Unfortunately, his somewhat one-dimensional offense, which largely comprises solid striking fundamentals, has seen him seemingly hit his ceiling at 135 pounds.
As such, he certainly has a lot to offer Sean O'Malley. Both fighters prefer the striking arts and O'Malley won't be too worried about takedowns and control time. If he can finish Munhoz, it'll be a huge statement of intent. A win would also see the 27-year-old break into the top 10.