Rebounding from a recent setback, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling showcased his skills in a grappling match at Polaris 25.
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Rebounding from a recent setback, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling showcased his skills in a grappling match at Polaris 25. The 10-minute bout ended in Sterling’s favor, as he secured a decision win against Mike Grundy. While Sterling was triumphant in this contest, his focus swiftly shifted back to a familiar foe: Sean O’Malley, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion.
In the intense grappling encounter at Polaris 25, Sterling demonstrated remarkable determination and grappling prowess. He relentlessly pursued takedowns and skillfully navigated exchanges and scrambles on the mat. Ultimately, Sterling outlasted Grundy, securing a pivotal victory and returning to the win column.
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Despite his victory, Sterling’s thoughts immediately gravitated toward Sean O’Malley, who handed him a loss in their recent title fight at UFC 292. Sterling did not mince words in addressing O’Malley’s reluctance to grant him a rematch, sending a passionate message to the crowd in Wales.
“I got a message for Mr. Suga T* because he’s still that to me,” Sterling exclaimed. “Hey, give me my rematch or fight Merab [Dvalishvili]. It’s that simple. Stop ducking the top contenders and be a man and be a real champion. Fight the best of the best. That’s what I did and now you need to turn around and do the same exact s*. Let’s go.”
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Having set the record for the most bantamweight title defenses in UFC history with three consecutive wins, Sterling’s desire for a rematch against O’Malley remains unshaken. Should he not secure an immediate rematch, Sterling is eager for his teammate and friend, Merab Dvalishvili, to seize the opportunity. Dvalishvili boasts an impressive nine-fight win streak in the division, including victories over former UFC champions Petr Yan and Jose Aldo.
On the other side of the Octagon, O’Malley, following his triumph over Sterling in August, has been calling for a rematch of his own, this time against Chito Vera. The two clashed in 2020, with Vera handing O’Malley his sole career loss. Although O’Malley expressed interest in a December rematch, the year-end UFC 296 card already features two title fights, likely postponing his return to the cage until 2024.
As the debate over O’Malley’s next opponent rages on, Sterling remains determined to be a part of the conversation. Whether it’s a rematch with O’Malley or a shot for Dvalishvili at UFC gold, Sterling’s commitment to facing the best in the division remains unwavering.
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