“Just the beginning of Suga era,” Sean O’Malley vows to ‘run sh*t till 2035’ after crowning moment; calls out Chito Vera for first title defense

Sean O'Malley has now become one of the most popular and bankable athlete for the UFC after his second round knockout of Aljamain Sterling.

“Just the beginning of Suga era,” Sean O’Malley vows to ‘run sh*t till 2035’ after crowning moment; calls out Chito Vera for first title defense

Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera in Miami for UFC 299 (via Instagram)

After winning the bantamweight title, Sean O’Malley has directed his focus toward Marlon Vera as his first title defense. His first title defense will probably be in December if things go according to plan. Despite being considered an underdog by bettors, some individuals believed in his potential to win.

Entering the fight with a rib injury and six weeks without grappling, Sean O’Malley’s victory at UFC 292 now holds even greater significance due to the subsequent revelation of his injury. During an interview with Joe Rogan, O’Malley confidently declared, “This is just the beginning of the Suga Era; I’ll be dominating until 2035,” immediately challenging Marlon Vera for his inaugural title defense. Riding the wave of victory, O’Malley’s friend and coach, Tim Welch, reminded him to call out Vera.

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Joe Rogan lauded the knockout blow that felled Aljamain Sterling as one of the most impressive right-hand punches ever thrown. O’Malley clarified that Sterling’s downfall wasn’t solely due to his mistake but rather a testament to O’Malley’s exceptional skill. Speaking in a post-fight press conference, Dana White acknowledged the unpredictable nature of fights and how unexpected occurrences could shape outcomes. White expressed his elation at breaking the gate record at the Boston Garden with earnings of 7 million, outpacing Bruce Springsteen’s concert, which brought in 5 million.

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As Sean O’Malley prepares to take on Marlon Vera in December 2023, the promotion will likely align with O’Malley’s trajectory. However, contenders like Cory Sandhagen and Merab Dvalishvili might voice their perspectives on Vera’s entitlement to the title. Notably, O’Malley’s sole previous high-profile victory was a split-decision triumph over Petr Yan at UFC 280.

Related: “I’m the best striker in welterweight,” Conor McGregor’s compatriot Ian Garry calls out Stephen Thompson to prove a point

Cory Sandhagen and Merab Dvalishvili might have to fight for the number one contender spot

Sean O'Malley calls out Marlon Vera
Cory Sandhagen(L) and Merab Dvalishvili(R), (Courtesy: MMA Junkie)

Prior to UFC 292, Cory Sandhagen and Merab Dvalishvili held prime positions for a shot at the bantamweight title. However, Sean O’Malley’s victory dramatically altered the landscape. With O’Malley’s call-out of Marlon Vera, the fighters ranked number 1 and number 4 may find themselves competing against each other before getting a chance at the title.

The Boston audience wholeheartedly supported O’Malley, earning him high praise from Dana White for his profound impact on fans. Notably, the fight was swiftly uploaded to YouTube moments after the event concluded. These developments challenge Dvalishvili and Sandhagen, who undoubtedly boast stronger credentials than Vera.

Cory Sandhagen boasts a record of defeating three consecutive ranked opponents. Merab Dvalishvili is riding a remarkable 9-fight winning streak. Both fighters are currently nursing injuries—Sandhagen with a torn tricep and Dvalishvili with a broken hand. Sean O’Malley’s rise to the role of champion has ushered in a new era for the division.

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