In an unexpected turn of events, Sean O’Malley finds himself facing Marlon Vera for his first title defense. The bantamweight champion will go head-to-head with Vera in the main event of UFC 299 on March 9 at Kaseya Center in Miami. Vera previously defeated O’Malley with a first-round TKO in August 2020, capitalizing on O’Malley’s leg injury caused by a well-placed kick. O’Malley, however, views the loss as a fluke and is determined to come out on top this time around.
Expressing his surprise at the matchup, O’Malley shared his thoughts in an interview with Helen Yee. He questioned whether Vera truly deserved the title shot, particularly after his performance against Pedro Munhoz. Nevertheless, O’Malley saw this as an opportunity to prove himself and expressed his excitement for the upcoming fight.
While there may be other contenders who could arguably be considered more deserving, O’Malley believes that the rematch with Vera will generate the most interest. He considers it to be the most significant fight in the division, given the controversy surrounding their previous encounter. O’Malley maintains his undefeated claim, while Vera insists that he was the victor. The March 9 showdown will finally settle the debate.
Vera has never been finished in his professional MMA career, showcasing his durability and resilience. O’Malley acknowledges this, but remains confident in his abilities. He doesn’t guarantee a stoppage victory, but he firmly believes that he will deliver a performance unlike any other seen in the UFC. O’Malley aims to reach new heights and leave the audience in awe with his masterful display in the octagon.