Aljamain Sterling claims Sean O'Malley isn't "about that life" following 'Sugar's refusal to accept July 8 callout
Aljamain Sterling is set to defend his bantamweight title against Sean O'Malley at UFC 292 in August.
After initially looking to have the bout in September, the bantamweight champion recently took to Twitter to call for a clash at UFC 290 in July, stating:
".F**k it. Let’s run it July 8th and see if you really built like that. @SugaSeanMMA @espnmma @ufc"
.Fuck it. Let’s run it July 8th and see if you really built like that. @SugaSeanMMA @espnmma @ufc
'Funk Master', who fought Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 earlier this month, had claimed that the quick turnaround was made to favor his opponent, who has not fought since UFC 280 in October.
O'Malley responded to Sterling's call-out, claiming that he isn't built like that while questioning the champion's change of heart.
"I ain’t. See you August 19th," he said, adding "Aljo “august is to soon, how about July” "
I ain’t. See you August 19th. twitter.com/funkmastermma/…
Aljo “august is to soon, how about July”
Sterling responded with a nickname of his own, saying:
"Shane “I ain’t bout that life, give me more time” O’Malley"
Shane “I ain’t bout that life, give me more time” O’Malley twitter.com/sugaseanmma/st…
While it is unclear why Sterling would like to fight in July, it is likely to take away any advantage he believes O'Malley has by fighting in August. Despite 'Funk Master' claiming he won't be ready until September, the UFC announced that the bout will take place on August 19.
Taking a month of training away from 'Sugar' would give the No.2-ranked bantamweight less time to work on his takedown defense, which could be key to the outcome of the fight.
Aljamain Sterling shares prediction for Sean O'Malley fight
Aljamain Sterling does not believe Sean O'Malley stands a chance in their upcoming bantamweight title bout. The No.6-ranked pound-for-pound fighter questioned O'Malley's wrestling, as well as his ability to take a punch.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, 'Funk Master' stated:
"We've seen him one time on his back and he was like a fish out on land. 'Chito' smashed him and sent him home. I think 'Chito' might have hit him one time, and his eyes rolled back in his head. That's not a good sign."
He added:
He's got a tiny head. He's tall, he talks about my weight but he's skinny, he's a twig. He got hit one time and he was out, so it lets me have a little bit more confidence. I don't think you can develop a chin over time. I hit him squarely, take him down, that's fight is as good as over, probably in one."
While O'Malley has not proven that he is ready to face Sterling, he will have had close to a year to prepare for the title opportunity. If he can keep the fight on the feet, his chances of becoming the bantamweight champion are much stronger.