Sean O’Malley’s first protection of his UFC bantamweight title now has its official poster.
O’Malley places his belt on the road in opposition to Marlon Vera in the principle occasion of UFC 299, which takes place March 9 on the Kaseya Middle in Miami. Within the much-anticipated co-main occasion, former UFC interim light-weight champion Dustin Poirier dangers his rating in opposition to hard-charging up-and-comer Benoit Saint-Denis in a five-round non-title bout.
Take a look at the UFC 299 poster beneath.
O’Malley, 29, and Vera, 31, have confronted off as soon as earlier than, with “Chito” infamously rising victorious by way of first-round knockout in August 2020 at UFC 252.
O’Malley (17-1, 1 NC) is undefeated within the UFC ever since. “Sugar” leapt up the bantamweight rankings in 2022 with a break up choice win over Petr Yan then captured the title in 2023 with a second-round knockout of Aljamain Sterling. He’s at present MMA Fighting’s No. 9 ranked male pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
Vera (23-8-1-) rides into his first UFC title shot having received 5 of his previous six bouts. Included in that run are victories over Dominick Cruz, Rob Font, Frankie Edgar, and most lately Pedro Munhoz. Vera is at present MMA Fighting’s No. 9 ranked bantamweight on the planet.
Poirier (29-8, 1 NC) and Saint-Denis (13-1, 1 NC) meet within the co-headliner at opposing phases of their careers. At age 34, Poirier makes what could also be his ultimate push towards an undisputed title whereas nonetheless reeling from losses to Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje in two of his previous three bouts. Conversely, the 28-year-old Saint-Denis seems to be one of many fiercest new names rising up the light-weight ranks, with 5 straight UFC stoppage wins to his credit score.
Take a look at the up to date UFC 299 struggle card beneath.
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