O'Malley vs. Vera: Predictions, picks, and odds for full UFC 299 card

Bantamweight champion Sean "Suga" O'Malley may be defending his title this Saturday, but revenge might be more on his mind when he squares up against Marlon Vera. O'Malley has been a phenomenal fighter throughout his career, posting a 17-1-0 record in MMA. That one loss came at Vera's hands though.

Back in August 2020, Vera was able to take down Suga by first-round knockout, a loss that O'Malley claims was a "fluke." Since then though, O'Malley has become a monster, dominating opponents to the tune of a 5-0 record, even winning the bantamweight title belt on August 19, 2023 after a win over Aljamain Sterling via a second round KO. Despite the acclaim, titles, and adoration of fans though, you can bet the lone stain on O'Malley's record has eaten away at him over the last three and a half years. Now, he finally gets his shot at redemption. Ironically enough, it will also be his first title defense as well.

Here is everything you need to know about UFC 299 in Miami.

UFC 299 Odds:

Odds via BetMGM, as of Thursday, March 7.

• Bantamweight Title Bout: Sean O'Malley (-275) vs. Marlon Vera (+220)
• Lightweight Bout: Dustin Poirier (+170) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (-210)
• Welterweight Bout: Kevin Holland (-125) vs. Michael Page (+105)
• Welterweight Bout: Gilbert Burns (+145) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (-175)
• Bantamweight Bout: Petr Yan (-125) vs. Song Yadong (+105)

Predictions:

O'Malley vs. Vera: Sean O'Malley

Former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski told MMA Weekly that he leans toward O'Malley for this fight. "They've already fight.  Right? So you've got to give that respect where Chito's already beat him. Do I feel like he can do the same things to Sean? I think that's going to be hard. I know he's already beat Sean but I think Sean's striking is high-level. I think that it's pretty underrated."

Poirier vs. Saint Denis: Benoit Saint Denis

Tony Sink of DocSports writes, "Concerning takedowns, Dustin Poirier is the lesser skilled grappler as he takes his opponents to the canvas 1.36 times per 3 rds. Poirier is getting his opponent to the mat on 36% of the times he tries and thwarting 63% of all takedown tries against him. Saint Denis is finishing his takedowns on 36% of the takedowns he tries and is stopping 66% of all takedowns attempted on him. In terms of going for the sub, Poirier is the lesser skilled of the two fighters."

Holland vs. Page: Michael Page

Action Network writes, "My biggest concern for Page is the reach. Holland will be the first fighter he's ever faced with a longer reach on paper, with only one past opponent tying Page at 79 inches. I expect Page's length to "play up" due to his stance, but it's an important part of his game. Still, Page has considerably higher finishing upside here, and he should at worst have a compelling case if the judges get involved."

Burns vs. Maddalena: Jack Della Maddalena

Odds Shark seems sweet on J.D. Maddalena, claiming that their odds calculator "suggests Della Maddalena's -160 status awards him a 61.54% implied chance of victory." They continued, adding that they believe this fight will not be determined by knockout, "I'm expecting a very close fight that likely goes the distance. JDM is an exceptional power puncher, but Burns is savvy and hasn't been stopped since 2021."

Yan vs. Yadong: Song Yadong

MMA Mania writes, "Both of these men have the tools and skills to hurt the other and win the fight. The problem for Yan is that he’s in the midst of a downward spiral and is on the wrong side of 30. Don’t get me wrong: 31 years of age is not too old for a Bantamweight contender. Four losses in five fights doesn’t inspire hope that the best is still to come for the former champion, however."

How to watch UFC 299:

• When: Saturday, March 9, 2024
• Where: Kaseya Center in Miami, FL
• Time: 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
• Stream:ESPN+

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