Sean O’Malley Eliminates Raulian Paiva In The First Round

UFC 269: Raulian Paiva vs Sean O Malley Prediction, Odds, and Fight Preview  » FirstSportz

Sean O’Malley faces his toughest test yet in the UFC when he takes on Raulian Paiva at UFC 269 on Saturday night.

UFC 269: Paiva vs O'Malley Picks and Predictions

O’Malley bounced back from a loss to Marlon “Chito” Vera with a pair of impressive wins in March and July of this year, although neither opponent was close to the quality of Paiva.

Raulian Paiva vs Sean O'Malley Pick, 12/11/2021 Predictions UFC 269 Odds

Paiva has won three straight fights, although he has only fought once at bantamweight. That was a majority win over Kyler Phillips back in July.

Sean O'Malley vs. Raulian Paiva Prediction: UFC 269 betting odds, analysis

O’Malley is one of the most polarizing athletes in the world; I have a hard time deciphering a comparison for someone who fans simultaneously view as dramatically over or underrated, depending on who you ask.

Sean O'Malley Already Looking Past Raulian Paiva - Has an Opponent in Mind  for March - EssentiallySports

The UFC recognizes the star potential of “The Suga Show” — what other unranked prospect continually gets prime real estate on PPV main cards? And they consistently hand him winnable matchups.

Paiva, a former flyweight, certainly fits the billing. He’s an inefficient striker (-0.66 differential, 93% combined accuracy and defense) who bull rushes opponents and makes his fights dirty. Essentially, he’s a superior version of Kris Moutinho, who absorbed 230 strikes in June’s short notice debut loss to O’Malley.

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O’Malley has the size advantage (3-inch edge in both height and reach), in addition to sublime distance management (+4.66 strike differential; 127% combined accuracy and defense) to counter Paiva with ease.

Sean O'Malley-Raulian Paiva Matchup in the Works for UFC 269, O'Malley  Disputes Booking - NewsBreak

Paiva was nearly finished twice in Round 1 against O’Malley’s teammate, Kyler Phillips, but rallied to secure a decision victory (which should have been scored a draw). The Brazilian has shown a ton of heart in his wins, but he excelled by bullying around smaller flyweights and was lucky to survive his last fight until Phillips gassed out.

Raulian Paiva: “Puedo someter a Sean O'Malley si se desespera; lo haré por  sumisión" - Blog Titan Channel

Paiva needs to put O’Malley on his back or press him up against the cage to slow down the proceedings. If he hangs out at a distance or has to blitz to close the range continually, he’s going to get put out with a big counter after overextending.