'Suga' Sean O'Malley crushes Marlon 'Chito' Vera at UFC 299 to avenge only career loss

Four years ago, O'Malley suffered the only loss of his career when Vera defeated him in UFC 252

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Suga Sean O’Malley walks out of the ring after defeating Marlon Chito Vera during UFC 299 at Kayesa Center in Miami, Florida, US on March 9, 2024. — Reuters
"Suga" Sean O’Malley walks out of the ring after defeating Marlon "Chito" Vera during UFC 299 at Kayesa Center in Miami, Florida, US on March 9, 2024. — Reuters

"Suga" Sean O'Malley on Saturday avenged the only defeat of his career against Marlon "Chito" Vera, retaining the the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight title.

In the main event of UFC 299, O'Malley, while sporting bespoke battle shorts along with pink and blue cornrows, crushed Vera by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-44) in a striking performance.

Four years ago, O'Malley suffered the only loss of his career when Vera defeated him by landed a leg kick that made his right foot go numb in the first round of UFC 252.

However, years later, O'Malley on Saturday picked up his first successful defence of the UFC bantamweight title.

According to ESPN, O'Malley who is often referred to as Suga, showcased impressive footwork and combinations throughout the competition, with sniper-like left hands and hard right crosses.

In the second round, O'malley served Vera with a right knee up the middle which resulted in a cut below Vera's right eye. In the third round, O'Malley sent Vera to a knee with a right hand.

Before the main event, Dustin Poirier secured his lightweight division spot by defeating Benoit Saint Denis in the second round and Michael "Venom" Page made his UFC debut with a decision win over Kevin Holland.

Additionally, Jack Della Maddalena defeated Gilbert Burns and Petr Yan secured a top spot ranking against Song Yadong in the final two rounds.

The main event was also attended by Donald Trump who was spotted at the venue with his daughter Ivanka and UFC President Dana White.