Suga Show: Sean O’Malley Scores SHOCKING Knockout Over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292

Timothy James

August 20, 2023

Sean O’Malley defeats Aljamain Sterling via TKO in round 2

The hype is real.

“Suga” Sean O’Malley proved the doubters wrong – knocking Aljamain Sterling out with a picture-perfect right hand in the second round of the UFC 292 main event.

SHOCKER! SEAN O'MALLEY KNOCKS ALJAMAIN STERLING OUT IN ROUND 2! #UFC292 #aNDnEW pic.twitter.com/31mIdUvNcK

— InsideFighting (@InsideFighting_) August 20, 2023

After an extremely tentative first round between Sterling and O’Malley, Suga found his mark. A slip and a right hand dropped Sterling to the Octagon canvas – and O’Malley poured on the ground-and-pound. There was some controversy of the stoppage, with Joe Rogan wondering if it was early – but Marc Goddard called the fight. And new – welcome to the “Suga” era.

SEAN O'MALLEY KNOCKS OUT ALJAMAIN STERLING 😱

WE HAVE A NEW BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMP #UFC292 pic.twitter.com/imITCioq49

— UFC (@ufc) August 20, 2023

O’Malley was calm and collected when the UFC bantamweight strap was placed around his waist – he saw this coming where many others didn’t. And “Suga” wasted no time making a callout – old rival Chito Vera.

Sean O'Malley has an opponent, a date, and a location for his next fight. How about it, @chitoveraUFC ???

#UFC292 pic.twitter.com/yKvCo0yA7F

— InsideFighting (@InsideFighting_) August 20, 2023

It’s a rematch that’s been building steam for years. With Vera beating Pedro Munhoz earlier in the night, the timing is perfect. Vera remains the only blemish on O’Malley’s record – beating the new bantamweight champion via TKO back at UFC 252.

Ice. Cold. 🥶 #UFC292 pic.twitter.com/Cqqu65CwNX

— UFC (@ufc) August 20, 2023

Sterling was all class in defeat – giving his props to O’Malley on his big win. The former bantamweight champ was on the cusp of 135 GOAT status – with the plan being to move up to 145 after beating O’Malley. Sterling was non-commital on whether or not he still plans on moving up to featherweight – stating he needs some time to think things over.

Nothing but class from @FunkMasterMMA 👏

A true champion. #UFC292 pic.twitter.com/mhLfusufKh

— UFC (@ufc) August 20, 2023

O’Malley has now solidified his superstar status in the UFC, and a whole new world at bantamweight has opened up.