Sean O’Malley trounces Raulian Paiva, says he channelled Canelo Alvarez at UFC 269

Sean O’Malley trounces Raulian Paiva, says he channelled Canelo Alvarez at UFC 269

Sean O'Malley TKO's Paiva in a Canelo Alvarez style.

Sean O’Malley is without a doubt one of the most creative and skilled martial artists in the UFC roster. His very recent fight against Raulian Paiva is now a set example of that fact, he absolutely studied pound for pound #1 Boxer, Canelo Alvarez, O’Malley finished Paiva in a very similar style to that of Canelo.

Showcasing fast hands and impeccable technique, O’Malley was on point from the start of the fight until the finish as he was just popping Paiva with his combinations throughout the fight. After staggering Paiva with a stiff right hand, O’Malley went in for the kill as he unleashed a huge combination of punches that eventually dropped the Brazilian to the canvas as the referee rushed in to stop the fight.

“I wanted to put him up against the cage and tee off like [‘Canelo’ Alvarez],” O’Malley said about his finish. “Honestly, I think he’s one of the toughest guys I Have fought, but when I land those big shots, I’m going to take you out. That’s what happened.”

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Using his long-range and reach advantage, O’Malley was quick to establish a quick lead jab that snapped Paiva’s head back several times in the opening round. O’Malley’s ability to keep Paiva at a distance helped him avoid so much of the Brazilian’s offense while consistently firing back with fast, straight punches.

“I just couldn’t pull out”- Sean O’Malley nearly pulled out of the fight at UFC 269

Sean O'Malley and Raulian Paiva
Sean O’Malley looking to compete for the title as he thanks his fans.

It was another impressive showing for O’Malley, who was actually dealing with a serious rib injury that prevented him from sparring or grappling for much of his training camp. In fact, O’Malley revealed after the fight that he nearly pulled out of UFC 269 before deciding he couldn’t let his fans down.

“I knew how many people were going to come out here and wanted to watch me fight,” O’Malley said. “I just couldn’t pull out.”

O’Malley has now rattled off three wins in a row and it appears he’ll be looking at top 15 ranked competition when he returns to action next year. O’Malley is also looking for a mega-Bantamweight bout against interim Bantamweight champion, Petr Yan.

Also Read- UFC 269: Sean O Malley folds Raulian Paiva with a barrage of punches in the very first round