Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

American Sean O'Malley makes the first title defense of his 135-pound gold at UFC 299 when he swears off against Marlon Vera in a rematch of their 2020 fight. The bantamweight championship fight will be held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on March 10 and is available on PPV. In the first meeting between the top bantamweight, Marlon Vera handed Sean O'Malley his sole professional loss with a first-round TKO. The UFC bantamweight champion does not recognize the loss, blaming it on drop foot. Sean O'Malley claimed the 135-pound title from Aljamain Sterling last year.

MMA: UFC Bantamweight Championship

Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida

Where to watch: ESPN PPV

Date: 10.03.2024. 05.00

The Montana-born star has had a near-flawless career in the UFC following a 2017 debut. Since losing to Marlon Vera over three years ago, "Sugar" has won five matches with one No Contest. A striker with professional boxing experience, the 29-year-old has twelve knockouts from seventeen wins. Sean O'Malley knocked out Aljamain Sterling last August to win the UFC bantamweight title. In 2022, he secured a split decision win over the former champion Petr Yan.

• Age: 29
• Height: 5' 11"
• Reach: 72"
• Weight: 135 Ibs
• Record: 17-1-1(NC)

I would like to get another one in by the end of the year and be the biggest star in sports – not just combat sports. I think (if) I go out there and put two beautiful performances together (in 2024), I will be as big as Conor (McGregor). UFC has grown 40 to 50 percent since Conor was really in his prime. COVID-19 really boosted the UFC, so I had more opportunities to go out there and be a star. When I say that, people say, 'Oh, you want to be like Conor.' He's the biggest star in combat sports. Of course, I want to be like him. When people say that, it sounds a little silly.

Sean O'Malley

"Chito" was riding a four-fight win streak until he was stopped by Cory Sandhagen last March. Five months later, Marlon Vera rebounded with a decision over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292. The Ecuador-born fighter is ranked sixth in the division and has the most finishes in the bantamweight class. In his first fight against Sean O'Malley, Vera's leg strikes caused a slight paralysis of his opponent's leg, which he took advantage of to finish O'Malley.

• Age: 31
• Height: 5' 8"
• Reach: 70.5"
• Weight: 136 Ibs
• Record: 21-8-1(draw)

Sean O'Malley is a 1.505 odds favorite to retain his title on 1XBET. The underdog is priced at 2.628 on Betwinner. Marlon Vera to win is available for 2.62 on Bet365.