Home/UFC

via Imago

via Imago

UFC 292 lived up to its promise. Although people were under the impression that UFC 291 had set the bar too high and that UFC 292 would be in its shadow, it actually outdid expectations. The most unexpected thing that happened that night was when Sean O’Malley knocked out Aljamain Sterling to become the UFC Bantamweight champ.

Although no one counted out O’Malley, most people were leaning toward Aljamain Sterling. However, one mistake from Sterling proved to be costly, as O’Malley took advantage of it to strip him of the title. However, now it seems, another fighter, fresh off of a UFC 292 win, has thrown a challenge his way.

Rising through the ranks – Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera eyeing a title shot against Sean O’Malley soon

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

There were two Bantamweight bouts that took place on the night of UFC 292. The main event revolved around the Bantamweight title shot, and O’Malley entered without a title but exited as the champion. Yet, there was another thrilling Bantamweight bout that unfolded that evening.

Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera took on Pedro Munhoz and defeated him via decision. He was originally slated to fight Henry Cejudo but that booking couldn’t be made. Munhoz came in as a replacement for Cejudo. However, this was a really important fight for Vera since this win could very well land him a title shot next.

He recently took to Twitter to post a picture of himself. The caption of the picture, although not directly aimed at O’Malley, was a hint at his ambition to gun for the title next. It read: “Fighting for a world tittle very soon.”. While most people might think that it was a sweeping declaration made by just another ambitious underdog, it was actually an indication of what might be next for him. 

Read More – “I Pray That Me or My Teammates Don’t Have..”: Following Sean O’Malley’s Win at UFC 292, Aljamain Sterling’s Teammate Comes Forth With an Outrageous Accusation Against Marc Goddard

Is there an internal discussion underway already? Has Dana White decided on this fight card next? No one knows yet.

The second leg of Chito Vera vs. Sean O’Malley – Title on the line

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

While nothing has been confirmed yet, one can assume that Vera’s impressive victory at UFC 292 lands him right in the center of a title-shot contender debate. While both fighters have their strengths, the last time that Sean O’Malley faced Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, it didn’t end well for him. The two fought at UFC 252 back in 2020 and Vera won the fight by knockout.

via Imago

After securing the Bantamweight title at UFC 292, O’Malley, in his post-fight interview, didn’t hesitate before calling out Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. O’Malley has suffered only a single loss in his career and it came at the hands of Vera. Now that he is the champion, O’Malley is looking to remove the only stain on his otherwise impeccable UFC record. According to reports, O’Malley is looking for a fight against Vera in December.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Since both fighters want it and it would make for an interesting development of the storyline for the UFC, will Dana White make it happen? Or will Merab Dvalishvili get to the title shot before him, now that his best friend is no longer the champ?

Watch this StoryWatch: Ian Parry hosts an open workout in an Irish pub hours before his UFC 292 fight