MIAMI — 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:
