Ex-UFC Champion Makes Compelling Case for Sean O’Malley vs. Aljamain Sterling Rematch

This former UFC titleholder wants to see the two bantamweights run it back right away.

Drew Beaupré | Sep 5, 2023

Ex-UFC Champion Makes Compelling Case for Sean O’Malley vs. Aljamain Sterling Rematch /

One ex-UFC champion thinks Aljamain Sterling deserves an immediate rematch with Sean O'Malley after the tremendous success he had as UFC bantamweight champion.

“Funk Master” was favored to extend his nine-fight win streak and defend his bantamweight belt for a fourth time heading into a meeting with O'Malley at UFC 292. Things didn't end up going according to plan, and "Sugar" walked away with the bantamweight title after he stopped the champion with strikes in the second round.

O’Malley has already suggested several potential opponents for his first UFC title defense, but the promotion's former light heavyweight king Jamahal Hill argues that a rematch with Sterling is the only matchup that makes sense.

Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. — (Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports)

“I think it should be Aljo,” Hill said during an interview with The Schmo. “Who’s defended the belt as many times as he has consecutively? I think he has the most consecutive bantamweight defenses of all time. He beat [three] different champions, he was what you consider a dominant champion in his reign…How can you have that and not get a title shot? Not get a rematch? If he doesn’t deserve a rematch, who does?”

Sterling appeared ready for a move to the featherweight division prior to UFC 292 but has now put those plans on hold, which has created an interesting dilemma at bantamweight with his close friend and teammate Merab Dvalishvili still waiting for his first title shot.

Hill claimed the light heavyweight title at UFC 283 earlier this year but elected to vacate his belt in July due to an Achilles injury. “Sweet Dreams” underwent surgery shortly after he made the announcement, and as of yet no matchup has been booked by the UFC to crown a new light heavyweight champion.

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Published Sep 5, 2023