Live results: Sean O’Malley won UD over Marlon Vera (50-45, 50-45, 50-44) O’Malley retains UFC bantamweight title
AND STILL
Suga Sean O’Malley defeats Chito Vera and retains his bantamweight title!pic.twitter.com/7PAFWsnh6C— DraftKings (@DraftKings) March 10, 2024
The UFC bantamweight title is on the line as reigning champion Sean O’Malley takes on challenger Marlon Vera this weekend at UFC 299. The 12-bout card takes place live from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Live coverage of the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET. on ESPN+PPV.
This will be a rematch at 135 pounds as Vera got the best of O’Malley in their first meeting, winning by first-round TKO. A lethal kick to the calf of O’Malley followed up with some swift strikes from Vera sealed the deal back in 2020.
O’Malley (17-1) defeated Aljamain Sterling by way of second-round TKO at UFC 292. “Suga” is known for his fast hands and kill switch ability to finish his opponent in a split second. Now he gets a chance to avenge his only loss at the UFC level and successfully defend his belt.
Vera (23-8) also picked up a win at UFC 292, out punching Pedro Munhoz toward an unanimous decision victory. “Chito” has won five of his last six fights and is the only active fighter in the division to beat O’Malley.
O’Malley enters a -270 betting favorite in the bantamweight title clash as Vera has +220 odds to win. The favored method of victory is O’Malley to win by decision (+110), according to Draftkings Sportsbook.
We’ll be providing live updates throughout the fight with round-by-round scoring until a winner is determined.
Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera round-by-round results
Round 1 — O’Malley 10-9
O’Malley with some early faints. Vera showing some patience as both fighters taking their time to get acclimated. Vera fires up a right leg kick that’s blocked by O’Malley. Nice left hand from the champion. O’Malley switching stances frequently. Good body strikes from O’Malley to end round.
Round 2 — O’Malley 10-9 (O’Malley 20-18)
More aggression from Vera but O’Malley one step ahead so far. Left kick from Chito misses. O’Malley one-two lands clean and his speed is superior here. Big high knee snaps Vera’s head back momentarily. O’Malley working Vera and a noticeable cut on Chito. Big round from the champion. Late right hand puts Vera down to a knee and the round is done.
Round 3 — O’Malley 10-9 (O’Malley 30-27)
O’Malley pours on another big right hand to start the round. The champion has doubled Vera on punches landed (93-40). Swelling near the right eye of Vera. O’Malley cruising and one step ahead each exchange.
Round 4 — O’Malley 10-9 (O’Malley 40-36)
Jumping high knee from Vera and his corner advised him to press forward. Nice left hand from O’Malley. Vera gets tripped up by O’Malley. Pace from Vera slowing down and a straight left jab from O’Malley. Solid combination from the champion.
Round 5 — O’Malley 10-9 (O’Malley 50-45)
O’Malley fires away a right hand and Vera is hurt by it. He dashes toward the cage away from the champion. High right kick from Suga he’s rolling at the moment. Vera shoots back a right hand but it may be too late. O’Malley keeping Vera away and landing the precise strike. Big time performance from O’Malley!