The UFC bantamweight title will be on the line when the promotion returns to Boston this August.
At UFC 292, 135lb champ Aljamain Sterling will face Sean O’Malley in a previously announced match-up, now confirmed by UFC President Dana White to be taking place in Boston, MA.
The event takes place on August 19, 2023. The UFC 292 co-main event will also see gold on the line, as women’s strawweight champ Weili Zhang takes on Amanda Lemos.
The PPV card will see the promotion return to the TD Garden in Boston, site of the promotions six previous trips to the city.
They last set up shop there in 2019, but did not return during the coronavirus pandemic. White confirmed several weeks ago, however, the Boston was on the horizon for the promotion.
Sterling (23-3) and O’Malley (16-1, 1NC) faced off after the former’s win at UFC 288 earlier this month, which saw him earn a split decision victory against Henry Cejudo. While Sterling had voiced some reservations about the quick turnaround and fighting in Boston (instead suggesting Las Vegas), it appears the promotion is getting their wish.
Zhang (23-3) has not fought since reclaiming her title against Carla Esparza last November. The submission finish of two-time champ Esparza earned China’s Zhang a Performance of the Night bonus. While many had seen recent strawweight winner Yan Xiaonan, who knocked out Jessica Andrade just weeks ago, as possibly stealing Amanda Lemos’ spot in the title picture, the Brazilian is in fact next up.
By reclaiming gold, meanwhile, Weili Zhang became the third strawweight in UFC history to become a two-time champion, following “Thug” Rose Namajunas, and Carla Esparza.
Lemos (13-2-1) won back-to-back fights in 2022, finishing both Michelle Waterson and Marina Rodriguez.
No other fights have been officially announced by the promotion for UFC 292 on August 19. White, however, announced numerous fights for the UFC 291 card on July 29, the second PPV of that month — including Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2, with the “BMF” title on the line.
