Fans claim Sean O’Malley’s UFC 292 title victory was the result of an early stoppage: ‘Sterling wasn’t even out’

While Sean O’Malley is busy celebrating his massive UFC world title win over Aljamain Sterling on Saturday night, fight fans are crying foul, suggesting his win was nothing more than the result of an early stoppage.

O’Malley shocked the world in the second round of the pair’s UFC 292 headliner, delivering a perfectly-timed counter right that planted Sterling on the canvas. O’Malley quickly swarmed the champ, looking to land the kill shot with some ground-and-pound strikes. In an effort to defend and recover, Sterling rolled onto his stomach, prompting referee Marc Goddard to step in and call for the stoppage.

THE FULL @SUGASEANMMA KNOCKOUT!

A right hand that will live on in UFC history at #UFC292! pic.twitter.com/jM5MkPTxqK

— UFC (@ufc) August 20, 2023

Many fans were quick to point out that Sterling was still conscious, still moving, and still defending. Even UFC commentator Joe Rogan suggested that the stoppage was a tad suspect, a sentiment echoed by top-ranked bantamweight contender and close personal friend of Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili.

“Another Fucking Early Stoppage! I pray that me or my teammates don’t have Mark Goddard in the cage again,” Dvalishvili wrote on social media. “We are FIGHTERS … let us fight til the end !”

Merab Dvalishvili criticises referee for early stoppage in Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley fight 👀🤔 pic.twitter.com/5omYQl3bOl

— Best MMA Moments (@XcellentMMA) August 20, 2023

Dvalishvili was far from alone in his assessment of the finish with many suggesting that Sean O’Malley’s victory was the direct result of an early stoppage. Some even went so far as to suggest that the UFC orchestrated the finish as a means of getting the title on a much more marketable and fan-friendly fighter.

Fans Voice Their Frustration Over Sketchy Stoppage Between Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292

I thought it was a bit of an early stoppage ngl, but fairs to O’Malley

— ℕ𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕠 (@casualnando) August 20, 2023

Nothing against Sean O’Malley but that was poor stoppage, Sterling was still protecting himself #UFC292

— Mr Smug 28 (@Richblackdude) August 20, 2023

Not saying O’Malley didn’t win but you can tell the UFC/ Dana white is pushing so hard to get O’Malley to stardom. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fight end like that with someone defending themselves. 100% an early stoppage. It makes sense because O’Malley sells & aljo doesn’t.

— Bzy (@Bzy2k) August 20, 2023

Trash stoppage. Ufc couldn't get the belt om O'Malley fast enough. #ufc292

— jester2trife (@JeCourt) August 20, 2023

Early stoppage for that O’Malley Sterling fight?

— UCLA Breakdown (@uclabreakdown) August 20, 2023

Sterling wasn’t even out. Gotta give the champ little more time. O’Malley more marketable since they don’t have Connor anymore. Even Rogan calling BS on the stoppage. That’s business Though I get it.

— Shark (@_SharkTrader) August 20, 2023

Congrats to O’Malley, what an early stoppage though.

— Ryan Guilfoile (@SeattleRyang) August 20, 2023

I was cheering for O’Malley but that stoppage was so lame. Got to give the champ a chance to recover

— Investor Bettor (@InvestorBettor) August 20, 2023

Good knockdown by O’Malley, absolutely terrible stoppage by the referee #ufc292 pic.twitter.com/Wvc2VmyMpv

— Brenya & The Spirits of Africa (@brenyamusic) August 20, 2023

Love O’Malley but boy was that stoppage quick.

— Go Bills (@_Eric_Wright) August 20, 2023

Do you believe it was an early stoppage or was Marc Goddard justified in stepping in and stopping the bout when he did? Let us know in the comments section below.