Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley finally has the opportunity to avenge his only loss against Marlon Vera at UFC 299.
It has been over three and a half years since Vera threw a wrench into the gears of the ‘Suga’ show. Since then, O’Malley is undefeated in six fights (five wins and a no contest) and secured championship status after knocking out Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. In Miami this weekend, ‘Suga’ will aim to put right the only blemish on his record so far against dangerous finisher Vera.
Sean O’Malley Seeks Revenge at UFC 299
In their first encounter back in 2020, O’Malley was looking like his comfortable self for the first half of the opening round. Vera then landed a kick that left O’Malley with limited use of his right leg. Soon after ‘Suga’ fell to the canvas and Vera was ruthless in his ground and pound strikes to finish the fight.
O’Malley has long insisted that Vera’s victory over him was illegitimate. Despite this opinion it went down as an official loss on his record, and the time has come for ‘Suga’ to prove that his claims of Vera’s win being a fluke hold weight. Sean O’Malley will hope to put on a clinic at UFC 299 on Saturday and move on from this saga.
Vera is somewhat fortunate to get this shot at the title. The rankings and current form of other fighters suggest that he should not be next in line, but due to the history that these men have, ‘Chito’ will get his opportunity in Miami. This is the fight that the champion wanted, so this is the fight that we have got.
O’Malley vs Vera: The Path to Victory
Any lingering doubts over O’Malley’s credentials were put to rest after the counter right hand that dropped Aljamain Sterling. The stunning title win over one of the best bantamweights on record was written in the stars for ‘Suga’.
Sean O’Malley’s most likely path to victory at UFC 299 will once again come through his striking prowess. His dynamic footwork, stance switches and feints are all methods used in setting up his attacks.
‘Suga’ will often bait his opponents into launching an attack first and look to land the open side counter. Former champion Sterling came crashing forward after a front kick from O’Malley only to run onto a big right hand. The 29-year-old has a beautiful striking repertoire and fight-ending power. He will want to keep this one on the feet.
Vera has power of his own and can end a fight in any way. With eight knockouts and 10 submissions, he is always a threat. ‘Chito’ is a patient, clever striker, but his best bet on the night might be to smother O’Malley with his grappling. If Vera can secure the clinch and make this ugly with elbows and knees, he can throw O’Malley off of his rhythm. A takedown for Vera would be even better as he can then unleash his vicious ground and pound – the method used to finish his opponent last time around.
Prediction
I expect Sean O’Malley to beat ‘Chito’ Vera and defend his belt. I think he’ll do so via a unanimous decision. Vera has never been finished, so this might well be a striking masterclass from O’Malley over the full five rounds.
The ‘Suga’ show is in full swing and will look to roll on this Saturday. Revenge for Sean O’Malley at UFC 299 will be sweet indeed.
Will Sean O’Malley avenge his only loss to Marlon Vera? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
