Sterling vs O’Malley Fight Odds: Champ Favored for Title
UFC Bantamweight Belt at UFC 292
Sterling vs O’Malley fight odds are out for the most anticipated fight of the year.
Headlining UFC 292, the UFC main event promises to deliver the goods as Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley battle for the bantamweight title.
UFC betting odds have Sterling at -250 to retain his belt, and by all accounts, it would be his last bantamweight fight.
O’Malley is a +200 underdog, a rare territory for the famous fighter.
UFC 292
Sterling vs O’Malley
Day/Time: Saturday, August 19th, 10:00 p.m. ET
Location: TD Garden
Division: Bantamweight
Sterling Holds the Silverware
Given Sterling’s impressive record and multiple title defenses, it comes as no surprise to see him favored with Sterling vs O’Malley fight odds.
With a record of 23-3, he has successfully defended his title against opponents like Henry Cejudo, T.J. Dillashaw, and Petr Yan, who are the best in the bantamweight division.
While Sterling’s victory over Cejudo wasn’t his most complete performance, he managed to secure it by delivering 135 significant strikes and four takedowns – a notable feat against a fighter of Cejudo’s caliber.
However, the scenario changes when facing O’Malley, a fighter with a completely distinct style. Sterling has yet to encounter an opponent quite like him, potentially posing a challenge for the champion and betting favorite.
Unsurprisingly, Sterling’s strategy will involve grappling, as evident from his 15 attempted takedowns against Cejudo. Employing a more methodical approach could be enough to get the job done, much to the crowd’s displeasure.
“This is more than likely my last fight at 135,” Sterling said. “There’s a 99% chance it’s my last.
“If I win this, for sure, I’m out of here.”
Going out of the bantamweight division as a winner is what Sterling wants, and he could be one of the UFC best bets at UFC 292.
O’Malley Gets His Title Shot
While the Sterling vs O’Malley fight odds may have O’Malley as the +200 underdog, the 16-1 fighter is about as dangerous as they come.
Despite the UFC’s cautious matchmaking approach with the superstar, who made his start on Dana White’s Contender Series, O’Malley has continued to impress throughout his career.
Our primary concern, which is why he’s the underdog, is his takedown defense. He struggles to stay on his feet, and Sterling is one of the best grapplers in the business.
If O’Malley wants to win the title on his first time trying, he needs to stay standing and land a knockout blow, which is easier said than done.
“I don’t really care what people say. It doesn’t really affect me. I kind of like being the underdog, being doubted. Going into this fight, I don’t have much pressure. He’s the bantamweight GOAT,” Sean O’Malley said.
“He’s on a nine-fight winning streak and he’s saying I haven’t earned the shot. How stupid will he look when I go out there and knock him out, not even having earned being in that position, and putting his lights out. It makes him look real stupid.”
Our heart wants O’Malley to win, but our head says Sterling. He’s the more complete fighter, and he didn’t get the respect he deserved in the early days with his controversial title win against Yan.
However, he has proven himself since and has beaten much better UFC fighters than O’Malley, which can’t be overlooked.
Going the Distance
There is every chance the fight goes the distance, especially if Sterling gets the fight to the ground. It might not be what the fans want to see, but he knows the recipe for success.
Bookmakers have the total rounds line at 3.5, which is a generous line. It currently pays +125, so most of the money has come for the under. However, if O’Malley doesn’t secure an early knockout, he could spend most of the fight on his back, and Sterling won’t be looking for a knockout or submission.
Sterling by decision pays +325, which is a terrific price. We thought he would be much shorter at around +200, so although needing the fight to go the distance is a tough watch, it’s the smart play.
Sterling vs O’Malley Betting Preview
For UFC betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
Follow us on Twitter
