Undisputed UFC Bantamweight Championship Bout
Date: Sat, Mar 9
Main Card Time: 11 PM ET
Location: Kaseya Center in Miami, FL
How to Watch Live: Order on UFC Fight Pass
Miami, Florida
Browse and explore Top UFC Betting Sites for the best odds and props.
Tale of the Tape
| (FW) 145 lbs | (BW – C) Sean O’Malley | (BW) Marlon Vera |
| Age | 35 | 26 |
| Height | 5’8″ | 5’8″ |
| Reach | 71″ | 70.5″ |
| Stance | Switch | Switch |
| Country | United States | Ecuador |
| UFC Record | 17 – 1 – 0, 1NC | 21 – 8 – 1 |
| KO Rate | 75% | 38% |
| ML Odds* | -270 | +220 |
Storylines & Moneylines
“Sugar” Sean O’Malley (-270)
Sean O’Malley’s lived up to all the hype, proving he’s worth every dollar the UFC Marketing department put into his come-up. In UFC 292, Sean defeated Aljamain Sterling in emphatic fashion, ala a straight hand in the second round. That brought Sugar to 17-1… and a chance to redeem that lone loss. Way back at UFC 252, Cormier and Miocic’s threequel headlined, O’Malley compromised his leg three minutes into the first round. He immediately got on his bike and feined well, but his foot gave out while throwing a left hand, and he tumbled. His opponent saw the opportunity and pounced, ending the fight with three devastating elbows. No one was a clear winner 4 minutes into the fight, but Sean was more game, which left a world of “what-ifs” about Sean’s foot. Would he find Chito’s button? Does Chito derail the train before it really leaves the station? We never got an answer. Four years later, Sean has torn through the bantamweight division, including its former champion. Now, it really is “The Sugar Show.” Will this be a one-off, or will he syndicate his reign and redeem his only L?
Marlon “Chito” Vera (+220)
Chito Vera’s rise has been a bit more storied. After he defeated O’Malley, he would go on to lose to Jose Aldo before stringing together 4 straight wins and headlining UFC Fight Night with Corey Sandhagen. Vera would lose that bout in a split decision, maintaining his never-finished streak. He’d redeemed that decision with his own unanimous win over Pedro Munhoz main carding UFC 292, where O’Malley would claim the bantamweight title. Vera is ranked sixth in the division, but his win over the new champ played well into the narrative, and his favor, earning him the first title shot at Sean.
Prediction
Both fighters are long, rangey. and have the necessary pop to end the fight with a single shot, in fact, there both tied for 3rd most finishes in their division. O’Malley leans a little more on his movement and hands, mixing in kicks very similarly to early McGregor. He manages distance excellently, moving in and out while taking very little damage until he finds his opportunity. Vera is a bit more aggressive and often looks to overwhelm his opponent after opening up with low kicks. One can argue that’s what led to Chito’s victory in their first matchup, and this may be a poor matchup, stylistically, for Sean. However, Chito is very hittable, absorbing 5.16 strikes per min throughout his UFC career, while O’Malley lands a very active 7.25 significant strikes per min. O’Malley is a bit more active in the ring while keeping himself much more out of harm. It’s not boxing, but fighting is hitting and not getting hit until the other guy can’t hit back. On paper, Sean is poised to do just that.
Our Pick
Sean O’Malley via KO/TKO (+240)
Different bookies see fights differently. Browse our P4P Best Sportsbook for UFC Betting to find your ideal MMA Bookie.
