Sean O’Malley has claimed that he will be rooting for former foe Marlon Vera in his upcoming bout.
It was announced that Vera was headlining UFC Vegas 69 in February against elite bantamweight Corey Sandhagen. Vera is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak and is edging towards a title shot.
‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley spoke about the upcoming fight on the latest episode of The Timbo Sugar Show – O’Malley’s and his coach Tim Welch’s podcast. Although he believes Corey Sandhagen will be too much for Vera, O’Malley is hoping ‘Chito’ gets the win.
Before the recent episode of the podcast, the two had spoken about the matchup between Cory and Chito and Vera’s opinion on O’Malley.
“That’s a sweet f-ckin fight, I think Cory will be too fast but Chito has the pace to walk people down. That’s a sweet fight.
“We have a lot of similarities but he hates me. I have heard him talk about me and he doesn’t like me and I get it.
“I whooped his ass and I wouldn’t like someone that whooped my ass either”
(Via The Timbo Sugar Show)
Sean O’Malley Hoping For A Title Fight Rematch
During episode 218 of The Timbo Sugar Show, the two elaborated on the bout following the official announcement of Vera vs Sandhagen. The main topic of discussion during the podcast was a possible move to 145 lbs for bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. As well as the consequences of the vacation of the 135lb belt.
With Chito vs Cory taking place in the Apex, Suga now believes Marlon Vera has an advantage.
“The big cage is 40 per cent bigger than the small cage? Like, quite a bit, significantly bigger. That plays a role.
“I think it gives Chito an advantage or a disadvantage rather for Cory.
“I want Chito to win obviously.”
Quotes via Bloody Elbow
O’Malley went on to say that he wants Vera to win the fight so he and Vera can have the rematch that he and UFC fans desire. A win from Chito would mean that the rematch could likely be for the 135lb strap adding even more to the hype.
The first fight ended in a disappointing fashion with O’Malley being forced to stop following a freak injury to his leg. Since then, both men have shot to the top of the division. Suga is now ranked number 1 at 135lbs and Vera at 4, making for a spectacle whether they fight for a belt or not.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
