Sean O’Malley, the UFC’s potential next megastar returns this weekend to make not only the first defence of his bantamweight championship but also attempts to avenge his only professional loss. This fight is arguably only happening due to that prior loss as there are more deserving contenders than Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, however, their history is what makes this one so interesting.
The two met in the UFC 252 co-main event and despite being on top in the fight, O’Malley was handed an L on his record. Suga doesn’t accept the loss, however. We’ve heard him describe himself as ‘mentally undefeated’, keep the 0 in his social media bios and claim that he never lost the fight. It’s a gimmick, but the fact remains, Vera is 1-0 in the rivalry.
At UFC 299 on top of a stacked card, O’Malley has the opportunity to make the score 1-1, make the first defence of his title and cement himself as a true bantamweight star. You can imagine that he believes in himself.
I’ll stop Chito in the 3rd or 4th
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 22, 2023
Sean O’Malley – Keys to Victory
Sean O’Malley’s keys to victory should be fairly straightforward. He should stay within the boxing range and not the kicking distance. Last time…