Sean O’Malley who is currently on a steadfast run in the bantamweight division stepped inside the octagon to kick off the main card of UFC 269 against Raulian Paiva.
Going into this fight, O’Malley picked up an impressive KO/TKO win over Kris Moutin at UFC 264. Meanwhile, Raulian Paiva won his last fight against Kyler Phillips via majority decision. It is needless to say that there were a lot of eyes on this matchup, as fans were highly excited to watch Suga Sean deliver a splendid performance.
Delivering on the expectations of the fans, the 27-year-old racked up yet another win to his name by knocking out Paiva in the final minute of the first round. Getting into the details of this three-round bout, O’Malley showcased his outstanding striking accuracy as he constantly landed good shots and started well.
Suga Sean O’Malley Show ????
First round KO #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/UiREVY8Nce
— ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????? (@CultureMMA_) December 12, 2021
Subsequently, in the final thirty seconds of the first round, The Suga Show landed a nasty right hook to startle Raulian Paiva. Thereafter Sean landed a flurry of strikes to drop the Brazilian. And the referee decided it was enough as he stopped the fight.
Twitter Reacts to the impressive knockout win of Sean O’Malley at UFC 269
Sean O’Malley recorded his 11th knockout win after finishing Raulian Paiva at UFC 269. Following his impressive striking display, several fighters and analysts reacted to his knockout and congratulated the bantamweight fighter.
Light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic was highly impressed as he claimed Sean to be the unranked bantamweight champion.
UNRANKED CHAMP!! ????@SugaSeanMMA@ufc #UFC269
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) December 12, 2021
Former welterweight title contender Stephen Wonderboy Thompson also shared his thoughts after O’Malley knocked out Paiva.
Another tremendously performance by @SugaSeanMMA ! #UFC269
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) December 12, 2021
Meanwhile, rising UFC prospect Merab Dvalishvilli challenged Suga Sean for a fight by posting a tweet.
Congratulations @SugaSeanMMA I hope you’re going to fight me next ????
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) December 12, 2021
O’MALLEY! O’MALLEY!! #UFC269!
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 12, 2021
Going forward it would be highly fascinating who Sean O’Malley is interested in facing next. Following his knockout win, it is needless to say that the 26 year old definitely has the tools to become a future bantamweight champion.