Sean O’Malley sought redemption within the UFC 299 predominant occasion towards Marlon “Chito” Vera, erasing a earlier loss with a commanding efficiency in Miami.
If not for Vera’s iron chin and unbreakable will, O’Malley would have nearly assuredly gone dwelling with a end on his report, however as a substitute, he’ll depart Miami with a lopsided unanimous choice win. Spherical after spherical, O’Malley unleashed a devastating arsenal on the toes, and by the struggle’s finish, Vera’s face was battered, bloodied, and swollen, resembling the aftermath of a swarm of bees.
The judges scored the struggle 50-45, 50-45, and 50-44, confirming O’Malley’s profitable title protection and erasing any doubt about his superiority within the rivalry with Vera.
O’Malley showcased a technical masterpiece, outclassing Vera in each side of the placing recreation over 5 rounds. Using a sniper-like strategy from the skin, O’Malley dedicated to his kicking recreation and reached with a protracted jab that constantly discovered a house on Vera’s chin. He additionally jabbed the physique, retaining Vera guessing however by no means overextended to keep away from potential counterpunches.
Constantly various his assaults, O’Malley focused the top with punches and kicks earlier than digging to the physique. Vera appeared a step behind O’Malley, who proved to be the quicker and extra correct striker on the toes.
With simply over a minute left within the second spherical, O’Malley uncorked a large knee strike that blasted Vera, snapping his head again violently. Vera stayed stoic within the face of hazard, however O’Malley continued to select him aside with little resistance to his offensive onslaught.
Vera struggled to make O’Malley pay for his high-volume placing assault, and by the halfway level of the third spherical, he had a minimize and vital swelling below his proper eye. Undeterred, O’Malley maintained the strain, chipping away at Vera in each trade.
Realizing time was operating out, Vera grew to become extra aggressive, making an attempt to show the struggle right into a gritty battle, the place he had his finest probability to win. Though Vera linked with stiff photographs, inflicting blood to trickle from O’Malley’s nostril, the champion escaped earlier than going through something he couldn’t deal with.
Regardless of Vera’s finest moments, O’Malley remained the far superior striker, dominating the numbers recreation by outlanding his opponent.
With 5 minutes remaining, O’Malley didn’t let up, relentlessly pursuing Vera, together with a proper hand that stung Vera instantly within the eye. Vera lined up, making an attempt to keep away from a possible end as O’Malley stalked him throughout the octagon.
O’Malley continued to hunt the knockout, refusing to play it secure, however Vera resiliently refused to go down. It was a superb start-to-finish efficiency from O’Malley as he dismantled the one particular person to ever hand him a loss.
Concerning what’s subsequent for O’Malley, he nonetheless hopes the UFC will permit him to vary divisions and pursue a second title so as to add to his assortment. Nonetheless, this appears difficult with top-ranked challenger Merab Dvalishvili ready within the wings.
Through the post-fight interview, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion stated:
“Dana [White], get me a jet to Spain. I’m coming for Ilia Topuria. I need Ilia, give me Ilia. He’s a scary f****** dude. Ilia excites me, going up a weight class excites me.
“Actually, I’m right here for no matter, If you happen to guys need me to knock out Merab, I’ll do this, too however Ilia’s an thrilling struggle for the individuals.”
