How did Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera give Sean O’Malley his only loss in professional career?

Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera fought each other on UFC 252. The bout changed the career of both fighters.

How did Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera give Sean O’Malley his only loss in professional career?

Marlon "Chito" Vera handed Sean O'Malley his first career loss (MMA Fighting)

Sean O’Malley entered the UFC with an impressive knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series. However, in 2018, he suffered an injury during a bout against Andre Soukhamthath. The USADA also banned him for testing positive for Ostarine (a banned substance). O’Malley returned in 2020 and excited fans by knocking out Eddie Wineland and José Alberto Quiñónez. In 2020, fans believed that Sean O’Malley was on his way to superstardom until Marlon “Chito” Vera came into the picture and handed him his first loss.

Marlon “Chito” Vera and Sean O’Malley were originally supposed to face each other in 2019 at UFC 239. However, a failed drug test led to a suspension that made Vera fight Nohelin Hernandez at UFC 239. The duo would face each other a year later, in August 2020. They fought in the co-main event of UFC 252. O’Malley’s star power propelled them into a co-main event spot behind the heavyweight title fight.

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O’Malley came into the fight as a heavy favorite over Chito Vera. O’Malley even colored his hair yellow, reflecting the Ecuadorian national flag. Vera hails from Ecuador, and O’Malley used it as a form of mind game. O’Malley talked plenty of trash to Chito Vera heading into the bout. However, the result did not go in his favor. Chito Vera overcame “Suga” Sean O’Malley at UFC 252 and its aftermath.

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How did Marlon “Chito” Vera defeat Sean O’Malley?

Suga used various types of kicks to set up his striking. Vera started slow but kept pressuring O’Malley in the initial moments. However, Vera’s leg kick damaged the nerve on O’Malley’s leg. As a result, he lost his mobility.

Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera
Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera (Image Courtesy – Sports Illustrated)

Vera quickly capitalized on it, forcing O’Malley to move on his injured leg. In a striking sequence, O’Malley lost his balance and fell, enabling Vera to attack him. Vera landed heavy elbows and punches that made Herb Dean stop the bout.

Aftermath of Sean O’Malley’s loss

Riding on the victory over O’Malley, Vera lost his next bout against legendary featherweight champion Jose Aldo. However, he immediately bounced back against Davey Grant in June 2021. After the bout, he defeated legends like Dominick Cruz and Frankie Edgar.

On the other hand, O’Malley refused to accept the loss and claimed himself as undefeated. After the loss, Suga went on a five-fight unbeaten streak to land the title fight. He defeated former champion Petr Yan in a three-round thriller via split decision. Suga made an excellent striker like Yan go for takedowns.

Marlon Vera and Sean O'Malley
Marlon Vera and Sean O’Malley (Image Courtesy – Instagram)

Surprisingly, Suga and Chito fought on Boston’s UFC 292 PPV card. O’Malley fought for the bantamweight title against excellent grappler Aljamain Sterling. O’Malley showcased improved takedown defense and used his boxing skills to knock Sterling out.

Once O’Malley won the title, he urged the UFC to book a rematch. The promotion eventually booked a rematch for UFC 299 in Miami. Only time will tell if O’Malley will avenge his only career defeat or will Chito Vera spoil the day again.

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