Marlon Vera seems to be underestimating UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.
Vera and O’Malley are preparing to compete for the bantamweight title at UFC 299 in Miami. They first faced off in August 2020, when Vera handed ‘Suga’ his first career loss by stopping him in the first round.
The upcoming title clash at UFC 299 is Vera’s opportunity to claim the throne against a favorable stylistic matchup, and the Ecuadorian is confident of beating his foe a second time. In fact, he is already thinking about his first title defense.
In a recent chat with The Schmo, Vera revealed who he’d defend his title against if he beats O’Malley.
“I will ask for Sandhagen because he beat me,” Vera said. “That’s the only reason I will choose that fight. The winner of Merab (Dvalishvili) and Henry (Cejudo) is also a big fight, and the UFC knows, whoever they pick I will (fight). But if I had to choose myself, I want to kick Cory’s ass. I know his dorky ass is crying about it, but it’s not my fault no one gives a f*** about him.”
Nevertheless, Vera acknowledges that he probably wouldn’t have been the next contender for a title shot if he hadn’t defeated O’Malley.
“The only reason this fight is happening is because I beat him,” Vera said. “That’s the only reason the fight is happening. So, I’m glad it came out like that. This is the best moment to do it, title fight, and I’m excited to become a world champion soon.”
Will Marlon Vera beat Sean O’Malley again at UFC 299?