Hours after Aljamain Sterling's “144.4 and climbing” claim, Sean O'Malley shows off his beverage-added gain

Aljamain Sterling aims to solidify his status as a bantamweight legend with four consecutive title defenses if he wins tomorrow. Many believe that the only person who can put a halt to his championship reign is Sean O’Malley, and they are set to face off in the title fight tomorrow.

The fight has seen controversy due to Sterling’s initial reluctance to fight O’Malley on short notice after his third title defense. However, they are now scheduled to compete tomorrow to settle the matter definitively.

Sterling flexes rapid gain hours after UFC 292 weigh-ins

Before the bantamweight title fight set for August 19, 2023, at Boston’s TD Garden, both Sterling and Sean successfully met the 135-pound weight limit during the ceremonial weigh-in.

The main event of UFC 292 will feature reigning champion The Funk Master defending his title against O’Malley. However, following the weigh-in, Aljo tweeted that he had regained the weight he initially cut, now weighing 144.4 pounds, with intentions to gain more before the fight.

144.4 and climbing

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 18, 2023

Fighters often cut weight to meet the required class, but due to rehydration, they can put on substantial weight quickly. This resulted in Aljo going from 135 pounds to 144 pounds in a short span after the weigh-in session.

“Sugar” keeps up with the “funkmaster” ahead of TD Garden showdown

After Sterling’s weight gain tweet, O’Malley responded on Twitter with a funny twist. The bantamweight title contender humorously claimed to weigh 157.4 pounds, implying he had gone from 135 to 157 in a short time.

Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley were fired up for this faceoff 🔥👀 #UFC292 pic.twitter.com/xSTvR21vOX

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) August 17, 2023

However, Sugar video showed him holding a 12-pack case of Happy Dad, a low-carbonation hard seltzer that weighs about 9.8 pounds, suggesting his actual weight might be much lower than what he displayed.

Ultimately, their current weights are less important than how they’ll assert their dominance when they face off in the octagon tomorrow. Now it is only a matter of time till MMA fans figure out whether it’s time to dee a new champ or Aljo will still be holding the crown.