A pair of high-stakes title fights will headline UFC 292 in Boston.
The TD Garden will be headlined by the bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and #1 contender Sean O’Malley. Sterling recently turned away the challenge of Henry Cejudo at UFC 288, and O’Malley immediately confronted him in the octagon to formally challenge him.
Though Sterling clearly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no doubt that he’s a modern-day great. O’Malley is one of the promotion’s biggest stars, and he can go supernova with a title win.
“Suga” was last in the octagon defeating Petr Yan by a split decision at UFC 280. O’Malley is likely to be the underdog but will be the crowd favorite in Boston. While O’Malley is ready for action, there is some concern on the champ’s side.
Speaking to MMA News, Sterling wasn’t too happy with being rushed into the O’Malley fight. Sterling said, “I do want to be active, that’s why I asked for September…I want to enjoy my summer a little bit more, and my birthday, so it is what it is. It’s frustrating, but I know this is the job so I know we’ll try to figure it out the best that we can.”
Zhang Weili defends title against Amanda Lemos in UFC 292 co-main
Zhang Weili will make the first defense of her strawweight title against Amanda Lemos. Weili wrested the title from Carla Esparza at UFC 281 and has a tough assignment in Lemos. Lemos stopped Marina Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 214, making it her fourth finish in her last five wins.
There have been no further fights announced for the Boston event. The card is expected to go on as planned on August 19, 2023.
