'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Sean O'Malley is in line to receive his first title shot after defeating Petr Yan via split decision at UFC 280. Meanwhile, reigning bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling has expressed his desire to take a break before defending his title. The bantamweight king used O'Malley's words to call out those who have any issues with his layoff.
Following a 13-month hiatus, Sterling defended his bantamweight title twice in 2022. Fans have called Sterling out for holding up the division.
O’Malley told Helwani on The MMA Hour that he needs to fight just twice a year. Sterling shared a video of him watching the interview on Twitter, in which he stated:
"What's that Sean? Oh, okay. I like what you're saying. Twice a year, makes sense, seems like it's a pretty normal thing. Okay, continue. Ah, okay, so I'm not crazy?"
Sterling also added a caption to his post:
“What kind of fighter only fights twice a year?!? You’re a b!$*h, bro!!” #KeepThatSameEnergy for the 3rd fight! #PettyFunk"
Check out Aljamain Sterling's Twitter post below:
Sean O'Malley shares his thoughts on potential title fight against Aljamain Sterling
It may be another six months before we see Aljamain Sterling defend his belt for the third time. While his opponent is unclear, Sean O'Malley has a good chance of getting his first title opportunity. The No.1-ranked bantamweight recently previewed the potential title fight.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, O'Malley stated:
"I believe in my skill set, I think we just gotta go to a dark place. Go where we were with Petr [Yan] and that's where we beat him, but I also could drop him early. I'll always say that against anybody I fight. I could be on a 37-fight losing streak and I'll say I still could drop him in the first round. I'm dangerous in the first."
O'Malley also stated that he could face another opponent while he waits for Sterling's return. While many believe that O'Malley was gifted a victory against Petr Yan, 'Sugar' showed he is capable of hanging with the best bantamweights inside the octagon.
Watch Sean O'Malley's comments on facing Aljamain Sterling below (starting at the 2:20:34 mark):
