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Aljamain Sterling reacted to his face being added to Sean O'Malley's podcast background.
In August 2023, O'Malley knocked out Sterling to become the new UFC bantamweight champion. Seven months later, the American superstar secured his lone title defense with a unanimous decision against Marlon 'Chito' Vera, a rematch from their first meeting in 2020.
Meanwhile, O'Malley was recently dethroned from his bantamweight throne by Merab Dvalishvili. Since then, 'Sugar' paid homage to his title reign by adding the faces of Vera and Sterling to the background of Timbo Sugarshow podcast.
Sterling reacted to the addition by saying this on X:
"This is actually hilarious! Probably one of the few times Sean makes a great joke. FairPlay Suggy @SugaSeanMMA."
Aljamain Sterling has disputed his knockout loss against Sean O'Malley for various reasons. The former bantamweight champion claimed he was persuaded by the UFC to accept the matchup earlier than requested. Secondly, 'Funk Master' believes the stoppage by referee Marc Goddard was slightly premature.
Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley look to regain UFC gold over the next year
Following UFC 292, Aljamain Sterling decided to move up from bantamweight to featherweight. The 35-year-old made a statement in his divisional debut by dominating Calvin Kattar to a unanimous decision win at UFC 300.
On Dec. 7, No.9-ranked Sterling looks to continue climbing the featherweight ranks. To do so, he must take out No.5-ranked Movsar Evloev at UFC 310. They were initially supposed to fight on Oct. 5 before Sterling pulled out with an injury.
As for Sean O'Malley, he is expected to undergo hip surgery following his loss against Merab Dvalishvili to repair a torn labrum. Once he returns, the American superstar could be one win away from a title shot, depending on what happens between Dvalishvili and number two-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov.
O'Malley has called for an immediate rematch against Dvalishvili, which seems unlikely due to his injury and the result of their first fight.
