Craig Kidwell-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Free Fight: Sean O'Malley vs. Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292

Originally posted on FanNation MMA Knockout
By Mathew Riddle | Last updated 2/22/24

UFC 292 is where the 'Sugar Show' truly took off.

Sean O'Malley was a sizeable underdog entering his first UFC title fight against Aljamain Sterling in Boston on August 18, 2023, but "Sugar" made it work.

Sterling had looked nigh-unbeatable in championship performances against T.J. Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo, and most viewers thought his grappling prowess would be the deciding factor against "Sugar".

In addition to this, O'Malley's place at the top wasn't set in stone as his split decision over Petr Yan was highly contentious. Only 24.4% of fans scored the bout for O'Malley, as did one of 27 media members.

O'Malley defied the odds by walking Sterling onto a crisp right hand in round two, dropping the dominant champion and finishing the fight with ground strikes. Not only did O'Malley eliminate all doubt in his championship abilities, but he also showed just how formidable a challenge he poses for any opponent.

Watch the fight below, courtesy of the UFC:

O'Malley is gearing up to make his first title defense at UFC 299 on March 3. His opponent Marlon "Chito" Vera handed O'Malley his first defeat back in 2020. Both men have something to prove, as O'Malley seeks revenge for his only professional loss, and Vera gets his first shot at UFC gold.

This article first appeared on FanNation MMA Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: