UFC 299 Sean O’Malley defeats Marlon Chito to retain bantamweight title

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UFC 299 Sean O’Malley defeats Marlon Chito to retain bantamweight title

• Brett Okamoto

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  Brett Okamoto

  ESPN Staff Writer

  • MMA columnist for ESPN.com
  • Analyst for “MMA Live”
  • Covered MMA for Las Vegas Sun

• Marc Raimondi

Mar 10, 2024, 01:23 AM ET

Sean O’Malley’s first title defense was against a familiar foe, but this time around, there would be no debate or shock ending. O’Malley defeated Marlon ”Chito” Vera to retain his bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 299. The judges scorecards read 50-45, 50-45 and 50-44.

O’Malley dominated the first three rounds with Vera’s ability to take strikes on full display. O’Malley landed a picture perfect knee to Vera’s ***** and numerous other punches that bloodied Vera’s face. Vera tried to overcome the speed difference, but he struggled to get any impactful offense against the champion.

The fourth round was a solid round for Vera as he bloodied O’Malley’s nose. Even so, O’Malley was landing at will and Vera continued to do his best to withstand the significant strikes. The fifth was filled with hectic moments, but again O’Malley got the best of Vera.

After the bout, O’Malley said he’d like to ****** Ilia Topuria, the UFC’s featherweight champion.

Prior to the main event, Dustin Poirier retained his place in the lightweight division by knocking out rising prospect Benoit Saint Denis in the second round, Michael “Venom” Page made a successful UFC debut with a decision win over Kevin Holland, Jack Della Maddalena knocked out Gilbert Burns and Petr Yan surged in the final two rounds to deny Song Yadong a top ranking.

Here’s how the all action of UFC 299 played out in Miami:

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