UFC 299: predictions for O’Malley vs. Vera 2

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley looks to avenge his only professional loss and make his first title defense when he takes on Ecuador’s Marlon “Chito” Vera in the main event of UFC 299 on Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami.

O’Malley (17-1, 1 NC) has rebounded well since losing to Vera in 2020. The champion defeated all but two of his six opponents during that time by knockout, including a second-round TKO victory about Aljamain Sterling. in August to win the title. O’Malley is ranked No. 10 in the pound-for-pound rankings.

Vera (23-8-1) has won five of his last six fights. His only loss during that stretch was a split decision to Cory Sandhagen in March 2023. Vera is ranked No. 8 in the bantamweight rankings.