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The main event at UFC 299 features an exhilarating bantamweight title fight between reigning champion Sean O'Malley and the No.5 ranked contender Marlon Vera.
'Sugar' will be looking forward to avenging his only career loss in his first title defense. When the Montana native squared off against 'Chito' at UFC 252, he suffered a first-round knockout loss.
However, O'Malley has always considered the loss a fluke since he believes he wouldn't have been defeated if it had not been for a freak leg injury.
O'Malley is 17-1 with one no-contest in MMA and is currently on a six-fight win streak. He holds impressive wins against the likes of Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan, among others.
In the other half of the main event, Chito has had both ups and downs in his career over the past year. His four-fight win streak since 2021 came to a halt in March of last year as he lost out a split decision to Cory Sandhagen at UFC on ESPN 3.
However, since then, he has bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Pedro Munhoz. The Ecuadorian holds wins against the likes of Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar, and Rob Font, among others.
Per the UFC's official website, O'Malley is a -218 favorite over 'Chito' (+180 underdog) for the match-up.
Don't miss the live coverage and play-by-play updates on Sportskeeda as the main event unfolds at UFC 299.
Catch the final face-off below:
UFC 299: Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera
Round 1:
As the opening unfolds, both fighters are exercising caution, gauging their range and their opponent's tendencies. Sean O'Malley lands a spinning back kick on the body and follows up with a roundhouse kick.
'Chito' is being very patient as he tries to get a read on his opponent. Vera is trying to land leg kicks; however, no one has troubled his opponent yet. A good kick to the body lands for 'Chito'. O'Malley lands a punch up top from outside.
A jab followed by a straight punch lands for the champion. Vera is trying to get inside, but O'Malley's sharp jabs and fluid footwork are keeping him at range. An excellent first round for the champion.
Round 2:
A spinning back kick partially graces Vera's chin. 'Chito' is still hunting leg kicks, albeit without success. A solid low kick from 'Chito' finally elicits a reaction from the champion.
A crisp jab lands for O'Malley. Apart from the leg kick threat, O'Malley is dominating the striking battle, peppering up his opponents from the outside. A right hand up top partially lands for the American.
'Chito' partially lands a 1-2 combo. A knee strike to the face, followed by a barrage of strikes from the champion, excites the crowd. A right hand followed by a left lands flush for O'Malley. Swelling appears under the right eye of 'Chito'.
Round 3:
'Chito' comes out aggressive, but O'Malley answers back with a right hand. The champion clearly has the speed advantage and is outstriking his opponent in most instances.
A teap lands for the champion, and he quickly disengages as his opponent answers with a multi-punch combo. An inside leg kick from 'Chito' is answered with a body shot by O'Malley.
The champion lands multiple right hands on the Ecuadorian. As the round progresses 'Sugar's fluid footwork prevents Chito from closing distance. A right hand followed by a knee to the body lands for the O'Malley.
Another good round for the champion.
Round 4:
A knee to the head lands for 'Chito'. O'Malley is still relying on his accurate punches to outstrike his opponent from a distance. Another knee to the head lands for Vera. O'Malley answers with a head kick, which partially lands.
'Chito' senses he needs a finish to win and is going all out, changing his opponent across the octagon. However, the champion's footwork is helping him get out of trouble and put distance between him and his foe.
"Chito' is trying to turn it into a dog fight and is landing more. However, O'Malley's crisp and accurate punches are still reaching their target. Both men's faces show damage sustained in the previous rounds.
A big right-hand lands for O'Malley, 'Chito' misses with a lunging knee in the dying seconds of the round.
Round 5:
As the final rounds unfold, 'Chito' looks like he is searching for an opportunity to land a haymaker. A crips right-hand lands for the champion. 'Chito' is clearly hurt. O'Malley senses the opportunity for a finish and presses his opponent. A lunging knee to the head lands for the 'Sugar'. He follows up with a head kick.
The American continues his onslaught, landing punches at will. 'Chito' is clearly fading. A spinning back kick lands for Vera.
The champion lands another crisp right hand to the head. He follows it up with a spinning back kick and puts distance between himself and his opponent. A big knee to the head lands for 'Chito', and O'Malley answers with a knee strike of his own. In the dying second of the round, 'Chito' lands a knee to the body, which seems to have hurt 'Sugar'.
As the closing bell rings, both fighters look utterly drained. Stay tuned for the official decision.
Official decision: Sean O'Malley def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision.
The scorecards for the UFC 299 main event reads 50-45, 50-45, 50-44, all in favor of 'Sugar'
Following the UFC 299 win, O'Malley called out featherweight champion Ilia Topuria for a showdown in Spain.
Catch the official decision below:
