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The fire of competition blazes anew as Marlon Vera prepares for a pivotal showdown against reigning UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley at UFC 299 on March 9. Vera, whose previous encounter with O'Malley ended with a first-round TKO victory in 2020, exudes a quiet confidence ahead of their impending rematch.
In a recent appearance on the "Believe You Me" podcast, Vera left no doubts about his intentions, boldly asserting,
"I really believe I'm going to make him quit."
Reflecting on his previous triumph over O'Malley, Vera envisages replicating that success and walking away with both victory and championship gold.
The Ecuadorian fighter credits O'Malley for his prowess, acknowledging his recent title-claiming knockout victory against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. However, Vera emphasizes the stark contrast in striking styles between Sterling and himself, asserting his analytical approach in the cage compared to Sterling's less refined technique.
"Chito" Vera plans to approach the rematch by implementing his strategic striking ability, intending to force O'Malley into a relentless battle. Vera aims to disrupt O'Malley's movement and believes that in a hard-fought contest, O'Malley won't be able to maintain his pace.
Acknowledging O'Malley's athleticism and fighting skills, Vera remains resolute in his preparation and strategy. He intends to draw upon his extensive experience and perseverance to emerge victorious, expressing his unwavering determination to claim the championship belt.
"I'll be ready. I'll be prepared," Vera affirmed. "I'm going to go through him, I'm going to stop him, and I'm going to be world champion."
As the highly anticipated UFC 299 approaches, the anticipation grows, promising an intense clash between two accomplished fighters in the bantamweight division. The stage is set for a captivating rematch, with Vera poised to leave an indelible mark in his pursuit of UFC gold.