Back in 2023, Sean O’Malley stopped Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 to capture the bantamweight title in what many described as a precision knockout, a moment that helped cement his standing as a marquee name in the UFC. It was a high-stakes bout against a dominant champion, and O’Malley delivered under pressure, dropping Sterling with a clean counter right hand in the second round to close the show.
The victory extended O’Malley’s record to 17-1, marking his fifth consecutive win at the time. But beyond the result, the technical execution of the finish caught the attention of many, including longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
Joe Rogan Once Compared Sean O’Malley’s Right Hand to Muhammad Ali’s
Shortly after the bout, during an episode of his podcast, Rogan drew a notable comparison. While speaking about O’Malley’s striking in the Sterling fight.
“That was probably one of the prettiest right-hands I have ever seen in my life. I mean it literally like Muhammad Ali’s,” Rogan remarked.
Rogan’s comment came during a broader discussion on the evolution of striking in MMA and was rooted in the efficiency and sharpness of the technique. At that point in time, O’Malley had only recently captured the championship and was preparing for a title defense against Marlon Vera at UFC 299, a rematch with the only man to have handed him a loss inside the Octagon.
Nearly two years later, O’Malley is scheduled to face reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, this time walking in as the challenger. But the Sterling knockout remains a reference point in conversations about O’Malley’s ceiling.
While Dvalishvili poses a fundamentally different challenge that is built around pressure, volume, and relentless wrestling, the threat that O’Malley brings on the feet remains significant.
The 30-year-old’s striking is built on a unique combination of range control, fluid movement, and shot selection. Unlike many counter-strikers who wait for their moments, O’Malley blends proactive setups with reactive timing. That allows him to feint his way into space, draw committed attacks, and land precise shots without overextending.
What remains to be seen is whether he can manage the volume and takedown chains that Dvalishvili brings across five rounds. But stylistically, if the fight stays on the feet for extended stretches, history suggests that O’Malley will have the advantage.
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