Rising star Sean O’Malley will challenge Aljamain Sterling for the UFC bantamweight title tonight, as the pair headline UFC 292.
O’Malley’s crisp and flashy striking has seen him win over a lot of fans, though his personality has proven divisive. In any case, the American has managed to set up a title shot without going through the wringer that many fighters do, in large part due to his profile. “Sugar Sean” did, however, take on ex-champion Petr Yan last year, edging past the Russian with a controversial decision win.
Sterling also divides fans but is crafting an impressive resume, which features successful title defences against Yan, TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo – all former champions. The Jamaican-American’s grappling skills are expected to be the difference tonight, though he must beware O’Malley’s ability to produce a one-punch knockout.
In the co-main event, two-time strawweight champion Zhang Weili defends her title against Amanda Lemos. Here’s all you need to know.
When is it?
UFC 292 takes place tonight, Saturday 19 August, at the TD Garden in Boston.
The early prelims are set to begin at 11.30pm BST (3.30pm PT, 5.30pm CT, 6.30pm ET), with the regular prelims following at 1am on Sunday (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday). The main card is then scheduled for 3am BST on Sunday (7pm PT, 9pm CT, 10pm ET on Saturday).
How can I watch it?
The card will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
Odds
Sterling – 2/5; O’Malley – 2/1
Zhang – 2/7; Lemos – 13/5
Via Betway.
Full card (subject to change)
Zhang Weili defends the strawweight title in the co-main event of UFC 292
(Getty Images)
Main card
Aljamain Sterling (C) vs Sean O’Malley (bantamweight title)
Zhang Weili (C) vs Amanda Lemos (women’s strawweight title)
Neil Magny vs Ian Machado Garry (welterweight)
Da’mon Blackshear vs Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
Marlon Vera vs Pedro Munhoz (bantamweight)
Prelims
Chris Weidman vs Brad Tavares (middleweight)
Gregory Rodrigues vs Denis Tiuliulin (middleweight)
Kurt Holobaugh def. Austin Hubbard via second-round submission (triangle choke, 2:39)
Brad Katona def. Cody Gibson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Early prelims
Andre Petroski def. Gerald Meerschaert via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Natalia Silva def. Andrea Lee via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Karine Silva def. Maryna Moroz via first-round submission (guillotine choke, 4:59)