O’Malley (left) and Sterling (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

All signs are pointing to a bout between Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling taking place later this year. But, according to the latter, the contest will not be a competitive or long one.

Following Sterling’s split decision win over Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 this past weekend, O’Malley was invited into the cage to face off with the bantamweight champ. The appearance was set-up, as the UFC has confirmed O’Malley will challenge for the title next.

While discussing O’Malley after UFC 288, and the expected bout, Sterling (23-3) boldly predicted he’ll quickly finish the rising star (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“My thoughts on Sean O’Malley is that motherf***** is frail,” Sterling said at the post-fight presser. “Frail. You think if I could take down a short stocky guy like Henry, who’s actually a gold medalist and has good takedown defense, what am I gonna do to Sean O’Malley? Let’s be honest here guys…”

“I guarantee you: We step in there, I think I fold that man in half in one round. Same thing I did to [Cory] Sandhagen. Go out there, pressure forward. He’s gonna use this footwork. I’m gonna cut off the cage, like I was just talking about. Eventually, he’s gonna be on his back foot. Let him throw a stupid kick that I’m going to catch, I’m going to bodylock him, and I’m gonna fold him in half like a lawn chair, and that’s gonna be the fight. … Signed, sealed, delivered.”

O’Malley (16-1) has been tapped for a title shot on account of a five-fight, undefeated streak. Most recently, in October, O’Malley defeated former champ Petr Yan by split decision.

The champion Sterling has won nine straight fights.

UFC 288 took place in Newark, New Jersey.