UFC 269: Sean O’Malley ‘tees off like Canelo’ to stop Raulian Paiva in round one
- Surging bantamweight star O’Malley picks up another dazzling first-round knockout win, finishing Paiva in Las Vegas
- ‘When I land those big shots I’m going to take you out,’ American says, before revealing rib injury almost saw him pull out of fight
Surging bantamweight star “Sugar” Sean O’Malley was in vintage form at Saturday’s UFC 269 event in Las Vegas.
The American O’Malley, 27, kicked off the main card, taking on experienced 26-year-old Brazilian Raulian Paiva.
Paiva had some success early, avoiding most of his foe’s vaunted power punches and landing some nice leg kicks, but ultimately realised the same fate as so many previous O’Malley opponents.
In the final minute of the first round, the American stung the Brazilian with a punch, and did not let up. A few follow-up strikes later, and Paiva was deflated on the canvas.
The stop came at the 4:42 mark.
“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,” O’Malley (15-1) said in his post-fight interview with commentator Joe Rogan, noting that he drew some inspiration from a certain boxing superstar.