This weekend will feature a big UFC PPV event out of the TD Garden in Boston, headlined by a bantamweight title fight featuring Aljamain “Funkmaster” Sterling vs. Sean “Suga” O’Malley. With plenty on the line in this contest, who will lift the belt when all is said and done on Saturday night?
Looking at these two fighters, Sterling has three title defenses after decisively beating Petr Yan in their re-match, including wins over former champions TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo. O’Malley, on the other hand, joined the UFC six years ago after a contender series knockout and has been labeled a future champion for years due to his surprising power and striking ability for the weight class.
Read on for our breakdown of the best bets to make on this clash using the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 18th, 3:30 P.M. (GMT)
Bookmaker William Hill currently has the champion Sterling listed as a solid favorite, at 1.40 odds. The challenger Sean O’Malley is an underdog at 2.90 to win. To give more wagering opportunities, let’s see the lines for the method of results.
Aljamain Sterling to win by knockout returns 5.50, Sterling by submission shows at 2.75 and Sterling by decision is listed at 4.00. Sean O’Malley to win by knockout returns 4.00, submission shows at 26.00 with decision listed at 6.50.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 18th, 3:30 P.M. (GMT)
The classic grappler vs. striker battle is here again. Sterling is 23-3 with three knockouts and eight submissions. His last fight against Cejudo, an olympic gold medalist in wrestling, showed his ability to outclass another elite grappler. O’Malley is 16-0 with 11 knockouts and one submission and is most known for his very tall bantamweight frame and slick, highlight reel knockout finishes.
While both have their obvious strengths, Sterling has fared well in the standup, being unpredictable with enough output to be respected. O’Malley only has one submission, but when you hear him and his coaches speak, they say he has a very strong ground game that he hasn’t needed to use yet. This is a difficult fight to handicap because while Sterling has faced a much higher level of competition, “Suga” has the ability to end a fight with one strike, no matter the scorecards.
The best bet for this bout is Aljamain Sterling winning by decision at 4.00. Of his 26 fights, 13 have gone to decision and in the UFC, the stronger wrestler usually has the advantage, with Sterling having exceptional size and strength for the division. If you prefer risk and reward, Sean O’Malley by submission is 26.00. His most obvious path to victory is knockout but has yet to do it against elite competition. The challenger will most likely be on his back using jiu jitsu to defend and if his coaches are correct, could end the fight this way.
