Photo: Dom Famularo
He’s done it! Suga Sean O’Malley avenged the one loss of his UFC career at UFC 299. The battle went the full 5 rounds and O’Malley asserted his dominance throughout the fight, but Vera stayed in the fight until the very end. Marlon landed his best shot on Sean in the 5th round, which he needed to land earlier in the fight to possibly win.
Photo: Dom Famularo
During the post-fight interview in the octagon, Sean told the crowd “Dana, give me a jet to Spain baby, I want Ilia Topuria”. This would mean a chance for Sean O'Malley to fight for the belt in the 145-pound division and a chance to become a 2 Division Champion in the UFC.
Photo: Dom Famularo
During the Post-Fight Press Conference, Sean said “Something about not getting the finish doesn’t sit right with me”. Dana White said “He put on a clinic, I don’t know anyone that could finish Marlon “Chito” Vera.” One significant statistic is that Sean O’Malley landed the third most significant strikes ever in a title fight. Marlon Vera wasn’t available at the press conference because he was transported to the hospital due to his injuries.
Photo: Dom Famularo
Another enormous fight was the co-main event featuring Dustin "The Diamond” Poirier against Benoît Saint-Denis. With Saint Dennis applying pressure from the moment the fight started, Poirier managed to turn the tide and win by knockout in the second round.
Photo: Dom Famularo
When asked about Conor McGregor’s Tweet on his performance after knocking out Saint-Denis, Dustin responded “ Ya… well he felt that right hook too”. Dustin Poirier took a risk taking this fight against Benoît Saint-Denis, who was on a hot 5-win streak, but Dustin showed the world that he deserves another chance at a championship belt.
Photo: Dom Famularo
UFC 299 was a sellout event and was the highest-grossing event ever at the Kaseya Center. The event was 4th highest grossing event ever in UFC history. Dana was asked in the press conference about UFC having an event twice a year and he said “I’d come back next weekend, it’s that good. Let me just put it to you this way, the biggest venue you can do in the USA is Madison Square Garden, Miami is now equal to MSG in numbers”.
Photo: Dom Famularo
Overall, UFC 299 was an electric night of fights. Between selling out in attendance and merchandise to the highest-grossing event in arena history, the Ultimate Fighting Championship may have a new home in South Florida going forward.
With over 30 years in the making, the UFC will be returning to Las Vegas, Nevada, for UFC 300. This event will feature multiple championship belts on the line. Tickets for UFC 300 are available at axs.com and you can watch live through ESPN+ or UFC Paper-view packages. Make sure not to miss all the intense fights at UFC 300 on April 13th!