One of the big themes leading up to this fight is Sugar’s inexperience against high-quality opponents. We’ve all heard the talk. ‘Who has he beaten!’ Aljo screamed at the press conference. He certainly has a point. Prior to his last fight, Sean had yet to beat anyone who was still active on the UFC roster.

Sugar supporters don’t seem to think it matters. After all, ‘he beat Petr Yan! The man who was easily on his way to defend his title against Aljo if it wasn’t for an illegal knee.’

Still, MMA fans remain unsure. Sure, he definitely proved himself to be a high-class fighter, but can we truly say he won that fight? It was one of those bouts that could have gone either way—although you just have a feeling that if their popularities were reversed, Petr would almost certainly have got the nod.

Independent of the fight’s results, one thing can be said for sure. Sean O’Malley is the UFC’s poster boy, blazing for him a relatively easy path to the belt. Many MMA fans, as well as fighters, treat this as if it is an unfair blessing. As if Sean is getting rewarded for something he has not earned.

I raise a contrasting idea—perhaps he isn’t so lucky after all. One could only imagine what is going through Sugar’s head right now. He has no idea what to expect. As he told his coach, he is afraid of the unknown. So many uncertainties—for he has never faced a grappler of this caliber—anyone remotely close. Sure, he may have the ability to stop him, but he will only know once he is in the octagon. Today, he is unsure if he can pass the test; this must be a terrifying thought lingering over him before the biggest moment of his life—especially when contrasted with his opponent, who has fought the who’s who of the division. Aljo’s difficult path to the fight is a blessing. He knows he can beat the likes of Sugar. He has faced prolific strikers similar to Sean (Sanndhagen) and won. Sean doesn’t have this luxury. Perhaps he wishes he did. Perhaps he wishes his path to the title was a bit more challenging, for that is how you get better. That is how you test yourself against the best and walk into the octagon with a semblance of certainty and trust in yourself—the likes of which can certainly make a difference on fight night.

Still, greatness is made in times of uncertainty. Tonight Sean has the chance to be great. We will know it for sure in just a few hours.