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The relationship between Aljamain Sterling and the UFC is strained, to say the least.
The UFC Bantamweight Champion has defended his belt three times, most recently defeating Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 earlier this month. UFC President Dana White quickly lined up with Sterling to face Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 19, 2023, a rather quick turnaround for the “Funkmaster.”
Since then, there has been drama. Sterling feels the wear of three title fights in 13 months, and he’s not sure his body will be ready to perform. Since voicing these concerns, he has been criticized by White, who said Sterling “can’t get out of his way”.
Rightly or wrongly, everything seemed to be in favor of the next challenger, Sean O’Malley. Suga has been preparing for a title fight since his October 2022 victory over Peter Yan, while Sterling is entering a potentially injured cut-off camp. If this was intentional, longtime O’Malley coach Tim Welsh wouldn’t be surprised.
When asked if the UFC wants O’Malley to win MMA watchWelch replied (trans MMA fighting), “Yeah, sure. After ‘Sugar’ is the champ, what other bantamweight in history has only punched one and came out like Mark Hunt? Bantamweight. Tall, skinny kid with tattoos and curly hair, punches people and walks. UFC knows What they do.”Sugar is a huge star and the UFC helped with that, so I’m sure the UFC would love to see a flashy KO artist like Sean be the champ.”
Despite the momentum behind the athlete, Welch does not underestimate Sterling. His fighting team is experienced against Sterling, and they are well aware of his strengths, especially on the canvas.
“Oh. Sure [Sterling is the toughest matchup]. Absolutely,” Welch continued. “Our master, Augusto ‘Tanquinho’ Mendes, won the ADCC title and is very strong. He’s very strong and is one of the best wrestlers on the planet by weight, and he’s even talked about how strong Aljo is. He is very strong physically, not only is a good wrestler he will jump on top and sit on guard and not know how to pass the guard, he will pass, he will turn half guard, punch you, move to ride, take your back.
“He’s really good at jiu-jitsu and he’s an expert at getting a backhand. I made one mistake with Aljo and he’ll be on your back for the rest of the round. He’s physical and he’s athletic, not basic on his feet. He’s very funky on his feet, throws randomly, kind of exciting.” It makes it very dangerous. It makes it difficult for him to prepare. I definitely think he’s the most dangerous bantamweight.”
insomnia
Jiri Prochazka is somehow teaming up with fellow Czech athlete, Adam Ondra, who is arguably the strongest rock climber alive.
The UFC will likely return to Atlantic City later this year.
As per sources: The UFC is targeting a December return to Atlantic City, NJ. Likely a fight night, this will be the UFC’s first outing since 2018
– Jake Noecker (JakeNoeckerMMA) May 25, 2023
Shawn Strickland and Chris Curtis started a podcast! I’ll definitely tune in next time there’s an “Action Man” short in some controversial fashion.
You guys asked for it for a reason and we finally got to do it. The first episode in the books. The Man Dance podcast with Chris W @employee almost. Stay tuned pic.twitter.com/MsdaWBVRCp
– Chris Curtis The Action Man (@ Actionman513) May 25, 2023
Bilal Muhammad is back to work with Khabib Nurmagomedov again.
The eldest of the two Bonfire brothers has a second fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship booked!
Demian Maya’s half guard was sitting in a world class single leg takedown! Many opponents tried to stop him, but few succeeded.
Galen Turner trains with Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi, and holy crap “Tarantula” is a huge lightweight!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Noble Knockout:
Remember when all UFC events had captions?
#OTD 15 years ago. UFC 84: Bad Will
– Ben x Sherk
-W. Silva x Jardine
Reljic x Gouveia
Machida x Ortiz
-T. Silva x Mendes
Palhares x Salaverry
Carwin x Willis pic.twitter.com/0MaxOuIez6– NeoValeTudo May 24, 2023
Mastering Muay Thai.
Anantasak Panyuthapum is one of my all time favorite fighters and it is a mystery to me why he is not as famous as he should be.
Crazy left hand, amazing in decisiveness.
Very beautiful to watch. pic.twitter.com/vxuRxcTG6o– Sweet Bunch Memories (@SPM_staff) May 23, 2023
random land
The world of insects is terrifying.
Midnight Music: A RIP to the Great Tina Turner.
Sleep well lunatics! More martial arts craze is always on the way.