Since that fateful night, both fighters have carved their paths. They’ve combined for 13 fights and earned nine Performance Bonuses, and delivered countless highlights. O’Malley went on to beat Aljamain Sterling and claim the UFC title at UFC 292. Vera, too, found success, solidifying his position in the bantamweight division.
The rematch set for UFC 299
Now, at UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera 2, the old foes are set to face off again. The stakes couldn’t be higher. O’Malley aims to prove that the first encounter was a fluke, while Vera seeks to cement his status as a legitimate contender. Both fighters have honed their skills, learned from their past, and are ready to leave it all in the Octagon.
The odds are heavily leaning towards O’Malley for his first title defence. However, Vera poses an abundance of problems for O’Malley, even excluding their first fight. If the fight goes according to plan, significant strikes will be flying. If O’Malley can take it to the ground and land blows, he could get the win. But Vera is tricky there. He will look to hit from all angles, including O’Malley’s legs.
It’s going to be a fast fight, but many believe the challenger will go 2-0 against the champion. Alexander Volkanovski has also given his prediction for the clash, further adding to the anticipation.
In summary, while O’Malley is the favorite, Vera has the potential to pull off an upset. His performance in their first fight and his recent victories suggest that he has the skills to dethrone O’Malley. UFC 299 is set to be an exciting event, and the outcome of this fight could very well surprise us all.
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