Former UFC title contender Urijah Faber has picked Sean O’Malley over Marlon Vera as the favorite to win their upcoming title fight. For those unaware, the two bantamweights are all set to lock horns in the main event of UFC 299. And in Faber’s opinion, ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley might be the one to get his hand raised after everything is set and done.
Destined for his first title defense, O’Malley has long been touted as the next big superstar for the UFC. This speculation finally turned into reality when he finished former champion Aljamain Sterling at the main event of UFC 292. However, it hasn’t all been roses for O’Malley, as there was a time when a defeat almost derailed his hypetrain. This defeat was against none other than his next opponent, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. So why is O’Malley the pick for the rematch of the 135 lb duo?
Urijah Faber on Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera
In his latest interview with The Schmo, Urijah revealed his pick for the upcoming title fight for the UFC’s bantamweight gold. According to him, it’s the champion Sean O’Malley who retains the title.
“I think O’Malley gets it done. People sleep on O’Malley; they always have. People just hate on the guys that get the most attention. That guy’s legit as it gets,” said Faber.
This prediction comes despite the fact that Marlon Vera triumphed in the last encounter the two had. The bout happened during the UFC 252 event in Las Vegas back in 2020. Regardless of entering the fight as an underdog, Chito stopped O’Malley during the final moments of the first round. Then, for many, it was the end of O’Malley’s rise, and it remains the fighter’s only loss in his 19 professional fights.
However, ‘The California Kid’s’ opinion is that this time when the two meet, O’Malley might avenge the upset he faced last time. In his own words:
“But for O’Malley, I think the last fight was kind of a little bit flukish. Obviously, Chito is prepared and able, but some weird stuff happened with the ankle. I think it’s going to be a different fight this time.”
RELATED: SEAN O’MALLEY PLOTTING KO WIN OVER ALJAMAIN STERLING AT UFC 292
The Former WEC Champion Is Not Dismissing Vera’s Preparation
Despite choosing his fellow American, Urijah Faber isn’t discounting Marlon Vera’s abilities inside the ring. A technical striker, Vera is well known for his solid footwork and fight IQ. Both of which were on display during his last fight with Sean O’Malley when ‘Chito’ stopped ‘Sugar’s bandwagon.
And being a veteran of the sport, Faber is well aware of the Californian’s ability to turn the tide in his favor. Praising ‘Chito,’ Faber said:
“Chito is very tough, obviously has finishing power and has been able to do it late in fights, even coming from behind quite often.”
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
