Sean O’Malley’s dominating performance against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera shocked the world at UFC 299. Not only did the 29-year-old win the fight, but he also gave the fans a fighting masterclass. Many experts predicted that ‘Suga’ would find it tough against ‘Chito.’ However, the champion silenced everyone with his performance.
While O’Malley received all the credits for the win, he has a brilliant team working behind him. Tim Welsh, his coach, is one of the key members of Suga’s squad and recently took to YouTube to reveal their plans before the fight. Let’s how the champion prepared for his fight at UFC 299.
Tim Welsh revealed his masterplan before UFC 299
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When Sean O’ Malley entered the Octagon on Sunday, he had a lot to prove to his critics. The champion was facing Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera for the second time in his career and had a score to settle. ‘Suga’ faced his only career loss at the hands of Vera at UFC 252 and was desperate to avenge his loss. However, he did not enter the Octagon without any plans or preparation. His coach Tim Welsh took to his YouTube channel to give the fans a glimpse of the planning involved in the fight.
He said, “With him, we know how he comes out. In his last I think seven fights he gives away the first round. He does a good job of pacing himself for five rounds. So we knew that. People think we are stupid and Sean’s going to come out there like an Eddie Weinland Pace. The pace is so high in three rounds fights. And people think we are dumb and we don’t know that. So we knew the pace was going to be a little bit slower for five rounds. But also we knew we are gonna take the first, second round and didn’t want to let him get started at all. Early on, I wanted to zap his gas tank. I wanted Sean to keep stabbing him in his guts. Keep stabbing him in his heart. He does swat, he does weird things, but it’s actually hard to find his chin. So game plan early on body shots let’s hit him in his body. Keep poking at his gas tank.”
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‘Suga’ did exactly what his coach asked him to do and won the fight via decision. With this win, the 29-year-old settled the score with his long-time rival, Marlon Vera. After his win on Sunday, Sean O’Malley called out Ilia Topuria for a fight and surprised everyone. But why did he call out a champion outside his weight class?
Sean O’Malley has his eyes set on featherweight title next
After a dominating performance at UFC 299, Sean O’Malley took the opportunity to call out Ilia Topuria for a fight. Topuria is the current featherweight champion of the UFC and one of the biggest stars in the division. O’Malley, after his fight while speaking to Joe Rogan, called out ‘El Matador’ and said, “Dana, give me a jet to Spain baby, I’m coming for Ilia Topuria.” He said. “. . . I want Ilia baby, give me Ilia. . . He’s a scary f*cking dude. Ilia excites me, going up a weight class excites me.”
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However, he further added, “But I’m, honestly, I’m here for whatever, if you guys want me to knock out Merab [Dvalishvili] I’ll do that too but Ilia’s an exciting fight for the people.” Topuria quickly responded to the callout and congratulated ‘Suga’ on his performance. However, he then advised the champion to face Merab Dvalishvili first before coming for the featherweight title. Who do you think Sean O’Malley should face next in his career? Let us know in the comments below.
