In one of the biggest UFC events to close out the summer, the main event is arguably the most interesting matchup in bantamweight title history. UFC bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling looks to end his run at 135 lbs by defending his title against the upcoming superstar, “Suga” Sean O’Malley.
This event will be taking place in Boston and will close out a stacked card of great fights. Let’s take a closer look at this one and break down the Sterling vs O’Malley odds, betting trends, and arrive at the best prediction to win money this weekend.
Will the masterful wrestling attack of Sterling be too much for his opponent yet again? Or will the fan-favorite be able to shock the world and land that fight-ending strike to become the bantamweight king and realize his potential?
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UFC: Sterling vs. O’Malley Betting Trends
- Aljamain Sterling is 5-0 in his last five appearances in the UFC octagon.
- Sean O’Malley is 4-0 (one NC) in his last five UFC appearances.
- Sterling has been the betting favorite in eight out of his last 10 UFC bouts.
- O’Malley has been the underdog in four out of his 11 total UFC fights.
- Sterling has 11 finishes (three KO and eight SUB) in his professional MMA career. (26 fights)
- O’Malley has 12 finishes (11 KO and one SUB) in his professional MMA career. (18 fights)
How to Bet on Sterling vs. O’Malley
If you want to bet on the main event, make sure you take time to go through the Sterling vs O’Malley odds. The betting line can make or break a winning pick in MMA.
According to UFC odds, Sterling is coming in as the big -260 betting favorite over the +220 O’Malley. This bout is favored to end inside the distance at -215. Before placing your bet, let’s look at how this clash of two styles can look against each other.
Sterling is arguably the greatest bantamweight of all time on paper, defending his belt three times against three of the best bantamweights to ever step foot in an octagon. His unyielding wrestling assault involves consistently claiming his opponent’s back and dictating the match from a position of dominance.
O’Malley has turned into one of the most dynamic and technical strikers on the UFC roster. He employs his elongated reach, swiftness, and keen vision to manage the spacing, “sniping” rivals from positions of minimal retaliation. He proved he belonged in this position with how he performed against Petr Yan last year.
Sterling vs. O’Malley Betting Picks
To make the best UFC predictions, you have to think about these big fights with no bias and no thought about the storylines. It’s tough to look past the momentum and the story of Sean O’Malley and how it seems written in the stars that the next UFC superstar will be born in Boston–with a bunch of Irish fans supporting an Irish last name.
This main event is incredibly challenging to predict as both competitors can exhibit tremendous dominance during their performances. O’Malley has the speed, fight IQ, and accuracy to end this fight early, but Sterling has the more dominant style.
O’Malley’s slender waist, elongated neck, and limited wrestling background tilt the choice in favor of Sterling. Considering Sterling’s potential and multiple avenues to win, it would be unwise to overlook when making an intelligent bet. The Sterling UFC at BetUS moneyline is the pick to make, or even for him to win a decision for better odds.
The most likely outcome of this fight will be Sterling controlling the majority of it from O’Malley’s back. An unbiased thought process would say that if Sterling can takedown guys like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, what can O’Malley possibly do to not let that happen?
If you are a true believer of O’Malley’s momentum and story leading up to this point, the money line for O’Malley is plenty to win a big chunk of cash on. The speed and power of this kid could be the equalizer, and it surely gives him a better chance than what the Sterling vs O’Malley odds are saying right now.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
BetOnline: Sterling -260
Bovada: Sterling -254
MyBookie: Sterling -263
BetUS: Sterling -260
BetNow: Sterling -258
Bonus! Other Fights Worth Placing a Bet On
UFC women’s strawweight title fight: Weili Zhang (-310) vs. Amanda Lemos (+250)
This is the co-main event at UFC 292, and it’s always a treat to watch the great Weili Zhang step into the octagon and showcase her talent. Lemos is a tough and dangerous Brazilian contender, but it’s really difficult to bet against Zhang right now.
UFC welterweight bout: Neil Magny (+390) vs. Ian Garry (-520)
This is an interesting matchup, with Magny replacing Geoff Neal on short notice and giving Garry a very different look in the octagon.
This is a very good step up in competition for Garry, but it’s also difficult to bet against him. Don’t be surprised if he knocks Magny out inside one round.
UFC bantamweight bout: Mario Bautista (-235) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (+180)
Bautista, an emerging bantamweight prospect, seizes a chance on a significant card alongside teammate Sean O’Malley, despite being relatively unfamiliar. He was supposed to get a big name in Cody Garbrandt, but Blackshear is stepping in on less than a week’s notice and coming off a filthy twister submission last weekend.
Be prepared to see an outstanding showing from Bautista and put his name on the map.
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