Sean O”Malley (left))(photo credit: UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Sean O’Malley needs to defeat Marlon “Chito” Vera first. But, if the bantamweight champ is victorious at UFC 299 on Saturday, O’Malley says he’s open to another fight with his rival.

O’Malley will battle Vera in the headliner of tomorrow’s card, which is taking place in Miami, Florida. The two fought back in 2020, and Vera recorded a first-round stoppage. Since O’Malley incurred a leg injury, following a kick from Vera, the star has repeatedly called the victory lucky.

At a pre-fight presser on Thursday, O’Malley was asked about the possibility of fighting Vera for a third time, and “Sugar” acknowledged he would be interested (quote via MMA Fighting.com).

“I wouldn’t mind knocking him out two times,” O’Malley said.

The expectation is that whoever wins on Saturday will fight Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) next, who has won ten straight fights. The streak includes wins over former champs Petr Yan, Jose Aldo and Henry Cejudo.

O’Malley (17-1) won the bantamweight title in August by stopping Aljamain Sterling in round two.

Vera (23-8), meanwhile, is coming off a decision win over Pedro Munhoz that same month.