UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling says Sean O'Malley proved he can hang with the elite of the division by beating Petr Yan.
O’Malley (16-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) edged out former champion Yan at UFC 280 last week on the same night that Sterling retained his title by finishing T.J. Dillashaw. Although he thinks O’Malley would struggle against a grappler, Sterling (22-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) believes O’Malley answered a lot of questions by standing toe to toe with Yan.
“I always acknowledged that Sean had serious skill,” Sterling told MMA Junkie. “I acknowledge that we didn’t know how tough he is. When he’s the hammer, we know he’s really, really good. We didn’t know if he becomes the nail and had some push back, will he fold? Will he rise to the occasion? …
