It’s time to release our UFC 292 predictions. Using industry-leading tools, data and best UFC 292 odds, let’s get on with it by providing our Aljamain Sterling-Sean O’Malley pick and prediction.
Finishing off a brilliant night of fights, Aljamain Sterling defends his bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley as a -265 favorite. Now defending his title for the fourth time, Sterling most recently beat Henry Cejudo via split decision in May. O’Malley knocked off Petr Yan via split decision in October of last year.
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UFC 292 Predictions: Aljamain Sterling-Sean O’Malley
Best UFC 292 Bets: Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley Odds
Aljamain Sterling: Opened -275, Now -265 | Sean O’Malley: Opened +210, Now +215
Sterling has a high-level wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, where he has a black belt. In the UFC, he lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute while absorbing just 2.37. On the mat, Sterling lands 2.02 takedowns per bout while defending them at 45%. He will accept takedowns at times to work his elite ground game, though he has sharpened additional wrestling skills throughout his career. Most recently, Sterling handled the elite wrestling of Cejudo, defending five of his eight takedown attempts. Sterling has a 23-3 professional record with three knockouts and eight submissions.
O’Malley has a diverse striking background. He lands 7.43 significant strikes per minute while absorbing just 3.54. O’Malley also lands 0.45 takedowns per bout but defends them at just 60%. Now 16-1 in his career, O’Malley has 11 knockouts and one submission to date. While he lacks the same experience against elite competition, O’Malley held his own against former champion Yan last time out.
Sterling has a massive edge on the ground in this fight. He also has an unorthodox striking style that could give O’Malley problems. O’Malley still has a striking advantage, but he will have his work cut out for him in order to keep this standing. With Sterling’s massive ground advantage and elite level of competition, the current champion should retain his title.
