Sean O’Malley, following his only career loss to Marlon “Chito” Vera, showcased a remarkable performance at UFC 299, solidifying his status as the next big star in the UFC. The fight, which ended in a unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-44) in O’Malley’s favor, marked his first successful defense of the UFC bantamweight title. Throughout the match, O’Malley’s striking combinations and footwork stood out, with sniper-like left hands and hard right crosses landing consistently. O’Malley even caused significant damage to Vera with a right knee in the second round, leaving a cut below Vera’s right eye.
Having landed an impressive 230 significant strikes, O’Malley secured the victory, showcasing one of the most prolific striking performances in UFC title fight history. Despite the rugged Vera showing resilience in the later rounds, O’Malley maintained his dominance, winning every round on the scorecards. The UFC’s CEO Dana White commended O’Malley’s performance, emphasizing his stellar showcase and expressing doubt over anyone’s ability to finish Vera. However, O’Malley himself expressed dissatisfaction with not achieving a knockout, showing his hunger for further success in the ring.
With a significant fan following and a stellar $14.14 million gate for UFC 299, O’Malley emerges as one of the biggest stars in bantamweight history. The transition from a split audience, with many cheering for Vera at the start, to chants for O’Malley as the fight progressed, highlighted his growing popularity among UFC fans. O’Malley’s willingness to engage in super fights, including a potential match against Ilia Topuria or Merab Dvalishvili, further showcases his ambition to challenge the best in the industry.
Following his recent victory, O’Malley expressed interest in expanding his horizons and taking on new challenges. Refusing to acknowledge his loss to Vera in their prior encounter, O’Malley continues to proclaim his undefeated status. With an impressive record of 18-1, 1 NC, O’Malley’s determination and skill have propelled him to the top of the bantamweight rankings. As he eyes potential matchups with champions in other weight classes, O’Malley’s journey in the UFC promises exciting prospects for fans and pundits alike.
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