O’Malley retains the bantamweight title Sean O’Malley defeated Marlon Vera to retain the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 299.
MIAMI
UFC 299 Sean O’Malley’s only career loss came against Marlon “Chito” Vera. And now, he has avenged it, cementing himself as the UFC’s next big star in the process.
In a stylish striking performance, befitting someone who wore blue and pink cornrows and custom pink fight shorts, O’Malley defeated Vera via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-44) in the main event of UFC 299 on Saturday night. With the victory, O’Malley picked up his first successful defense of the UFC bantamweight title.
O’Malley’s combinations and footwork shined for most of the fight. He landed sniper-like left hands and hard right crosses. A right knee up the middle from O’Malley hurt Vera badly in the second round, opening up a cut below Vera’s right eye. In the third, O’Malley sent Vera to a knee with a right hand.
Prior to the main event, Dustin Poirier retained his place in the lightweight division by knocking out rising prospect Benoit Saint Denis in the second round, Michael “Venom” Page made a successful UFC debut with a decision win over Kevin Holland, Jack Della Maddalena knocked out Gilbert Burns and Petr Yan surged in the final two rounds to deny Song Yadong a top ranking.
Here’s how all the action of UFC 299 played out in Miami:
UFC
Men’s bantamweight title fight: Sean O’Malley def. Marlon Vera by unanimous decision
Sean O’Malley’s only career loss came against Marlon “Chito” Vera. And now, he has avenged it — cementing himself as the UFC’s next big star in the process.
In a stylish striking performance, befitting someone who wore blue and pink cornrows and custom pink fight shorts, O’Malley defeated Vera via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-45) in the main event of UFC 299 on Saturday night. With the victory, O’Malley picked up his first successful defense of the UFC bantamweight title.
O’Malley’s combinations and footwork were on display for most of the fight. He landed sniper-like left hands and hard right crosses. A right knee up the middle from O’Malley hurt Vera badly in the second round, opening up a cut below Vera’s right eye. In the third, O’Malley sent Vera to a knee with a right hand.
Round-by-round analysis by Dre Waters:
Round 1: O’Malley was the more active fighter early, while Vera appeared content to pick his spots but connected well when he started throwing punches. O’Malley 10-9.
Round 2: O’Malley kept Vera out of striking range. He continued to lead the dance while being the more active fighter. Vera started to open his striking a little, but not enough to steal the round. O’Malley landed the biggest shots of the round, a knee that connected clean just after the midpoint, and a right hand that wobbled Vera. O’Malley 10-9. 20-18 O’Malley.
Round 3: O’Malley was in complete control for most of the round, landing strikes at a high percentage and keeping Chito at bay. The champ mixed it up well, making it hard for Vera to find any type of rhythm. Vera came on late in the round though, taking the fight to O’Malley. O’Malley 10-9, again. 30-27 O’Malley.
Round 4: Vera picked up where he left off in Round 3, pressuring O’Malley with his striking. Chito landed some big punches and kicks to the body early in the round, but his pace slowed as the round went on. Closest round of the fight thus far, but have to lean toward O’Malley’s volume. O’Malley 10-9. 40-36 O’Malley.
Round 5: O’Malley appeared to hurt Chito with a stiff right jab early in the round and then proceeded to walk him down against the cage. O’Malley clearly felt comfortable as he brought back the basketball dribbling taunt. Vera landed a pair of big shots in the round, but it was all O’Malley. And still. O’Malley 10-9. 50-45 O’Malley.
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