Sean O'Malley discusses Marlon Vera's merits and states that he gave his rival a title shot

Sean O'Malley in a duel against Marlon Vera No. UFC 252. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Long-time rivals in Ultimate, Sean O'Malley e Marlon Vera They waited for a long time until they had the opportunity to achieve their long-awaited rematch. Bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg.), the North American did not take it easy on his opponent and stated that he was responsible for benefiting him by giving him the opportunity to 'jump the queue' in the rankings and become the next challenger for the title.

“Zero percent chance (on whether or not Vera will receive a title shot against another belt holder). There are guys who deserve it. Cory Sandhagen, Merab Dvalishvili. You could argue that these guys deserve a title fight before 'Chito'. I went there and knocked out the greatest bantamweight of all time (aljamain sterling). I said, 'Hey, I want something. I want a rematch with Chito. I never asked for this. In fact, I never asked for anything. Let me do this Chito fight,'” O'Malley said in an interview with ESPN.

See too

Months after working on his fight against Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury changes his tone and sends a tough message to the former UFC fighter

Chute Boxe's promise, Elves Brener has a confirmed opponent for UFC 301, in Rio de Janeiro

Alex Poatan explains his desire to train with Israel Adesanya: 'Very experienced'

When he continued his speech, Sean revealed a crucial factor in Marlon being able to compete for the title.

“I thought, okay, let's meet again. I never went to bed at night thinking, 'I have to fight 'Chito' again.' If he can, get close enough so that I can offer him a title fight, just get close enough, beat the Peter Munhoz and I will give you revenge. Everything worked perfectly,” she concluded.

Sean O'Malley and Marlon Vera face each other in UFC 299. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Scheduled for rematch this Saturday (9), Sean O'Malley e Marlon Vera perform the main fight of the UFC 299, which will be based in Miami, Florida (USA). Knocked out in the first meeting, the current champion exudes confidence and promises to take revenge for the defeat he suffered. Currently fifth in the bantamweight rankings, the Ecuadorian will have an unprecedented chance of becoming the new king of the division.