Jump to
In the MMA world, one of the hardest and deepest ladders to climb is the UFC’s bantamweight division. At 135 pounds, there are currently four previous champions who are still competing and ranked in the top 15. It takes a great deal of work to achieve and maintain the belt.
In terms of contendership, that has also resulted in some intriguing drama, particularly with Suga. Aljamain Sterling lost the title to Sean O. Malley back in August. Who would be the next to try their hand at gold? Would Sterling be facing a rematch? A shattering of Merab Dvalishvili’s title? Henry Cejudo making another comeback? After considering all the possibilities, #6 Marlon Vera emerged as the clear winner, thanks to a 2020 performance that left him sitting pretty as O Malley’s lone defeat.
Cory Sandhagen doesn t love UFC s O Malley/Vera 2 timeline
Even though he just defeated Vera, Cory Sandhagen—who is currently recovering from a recent tricep injury—has no reason to be upset about not being given the next opportunity to win the title. Despite this, the talent of Elevation Fight Team isn’t too happy that O Malley vs. Vera 2 at UFC 299 will have to wait until March. Given that the fight has been rescheduled until early spring, Sandhagen will probably have to wait until the summer at the most if he wants to be the next in line.
March: Why is that? In a recent interview with Luke Thomas, Sandhagen said, “Fight earlier so that I can fight earlier” (transcript via MMA Junkie). Even though I don’t think O Malley has the best chance of winning, I still believe O Malley will probably prevail. March??? My hope was that they would fight in January, so I could return in April or May or something.
When asked whether Sandhagen would consider accepting a match against another top contender, he replied, “I guess I’ll see what they say.” Yes, I’m not sure. That’s unfortunate. March??? Oh no.
Sean O Malley hyped to fight Chito Vera again
It’s not like Sean O’Malley didn’t have other formidable opponents to cope with despite Sandhagen’s ailment. Dvalishvili is more perplexed than anything as to why the UFC is ignoring him, and Sterling has been fervently advocating for another opportunity at the MMA Lab talent. Even with such options, though, O Malley appears to be focused only on avenging his one defeat at the hands of Marlon Chito Vera.
The champion talked extensively about all the reasons he can’t wait to face Vera once more in a recent interview on The MMA Hour.
I’m up for that fight. It is flawless. O Malley told Ariel Helwani, “I think the timing is perfect” (transcript via MMA Fighting). Everyone said, “You have to get that rematch, you have to get that rematch,” following the first bout. And I responded, “When the time is right, I’ll get that rematch.” I’ll demand that rematch when the time comes, and I’ll get it. That rematch was mine to have whenever I pleased. It’s not the appropriate moment yet, I thought to myself. I’m just really thrilled about that fight because it’s the proper time.
I need to start a fight, therefore I don’t want to talk him down too much. I will, however, smoke this guy.
I speak ****, but I am aware of his excellence. Later in the conversation, O Malley added. I will not venture out and I will not hold a slack training camp. I won’t pretend that this is a simple battle. Every UFC bout, even those involving fighters outside of the top 15, has the potential to be intense. Therefore, I do not think less of him. I’m going to open up about my **** and express my feelings. He is too slow; I will defeat him. However, I’ll treat him with the same seriousness as I have every other guy.
The date of UFC 299 is scheduled for March 9. The company has not yet disclosed the bout card’s location. There aren’t any further bouts announced for the card as of the time this article was written. Follow Bloody Elbow for additional information as it becomes available.
Join the new Bloody Elbow
We showcase the writing of authors like Zach Arnold, John Nash, and Karim Zidan on our Substack. The sport, the fighters, and the spectators are the reasons we fight. Would you kindly subscribe with us now?
About the author
Zane Simon works for Bloody Elbow as a writer, podcaster, and senior editor. Since 2013, he has been employed by the website, serving in a number of capacities. Zane, who has always been passionate about combat sports, has dabbled in boxing and muay thai training. He presently conducts two podcasts: the 2014-launched 6th Round podcast and the long-running MMA Vivisection program, which he took over from Nate Wilcox & Dallas Winston in 2015. In addition, Zane is in charge of creating and updating Bloody Elbow’s list of active UFC fighters, a resource he started in 2010 on Wikipedia.
More written by the author
