Last year on August 19, 2024, Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley clashed in a memorable UFC Bantamweight title fight which left unresolved tensions between the two fighters.
O’Malley, aged 29, claimed victory over Sterling at UFC 292 by delivering a knockout punch in the second round. Had Sterling not been the titleholder, his close friend and fellow contender Merab Dvalishvili might have vied for the championship.
Since the defeat, Sterling, aged 34, has transitioned to the Featherweight division and recorded a successful win against Calvin Kattar at UFC 300. On the other hand, Dvalishvili is now on the path to challenge for the Bantamweight title. The anticipation of a potential showdown with O’Malley has led to playful exchanges and verbal sparring on social media.
In a recent Twitter spat, Dvalishvili teased O’Malley, prompting O’Malley to mention Sterling in his response. Sterling, in turn, criticized O’Malley’s selection of opponents and title defense choices.
O’Malley faced backlash for his first title defense at UFC 299 against Marlon “Chito” Vera instead of taking on Dvalishvili, who was enjoying a winning streak. O’Malley, however, managed to defeat Vera in a rematch and redeem himself from their prior encounter.
The intensifying rivalry and animosity among Sterling, O’Malley, and Dvalishvili continue to build as they strive for championship glory in the competitive world of UFC.
