Michael Bisping endorses potential huge Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera rematch
Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera is arguably the biggest fight in the stacked UFC bantamweight division. Michael Bisping has shared his thoughts on the possible rematch, insisting that adding the title to the equation would make it that much more significant.
Aljamain Sterling currently wears the crown in the 135-pound weight class, but will likely put his throne up for grabs in the first half of 2023 against a returning Henry Cejudo. With that, 'Sugar' seemingly isn't in contention for the title as of now, but the fan favorite does have a case to make as to why he should be next in line for a shot.
While discussing a number of fights that he believes must happen next year, Michael Bisping laid out his ideal scenario regarding Sean O'Malley, 'Chito' Vera, and the bantamweight title, saying:
"Marlon 'Chito' Vera. 'Sugar' Sean O'Malley. This fight has to happen in 2023 because they fought before. 'Chito' won via knockout. [He] kicked the leg, hurt the nerve, 'Chito' went down [to follow O'Malley], elbow town, [and] O'Malley was out... I'm a fan of them both, but they've gotta fight again, and the reason why is because they are on the trajectory, they're two of the biggest stars in the bantamweight division... Let's just assume that O'Malley wins [the title], he becomes the champ... The rematch with the belt on the line will make that so much bigger."
Both Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo, the two men expected to fight with the 135-pound gold on the line next, have publicly announced their interest in facing O'Malley, meaning the flashy striker could be in line for a shot following their likely bout.
Check out what Michael Bisping had to say about the biggest bantamweight rematch in the video below:
What happened during the Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera clash?
Heading into the brawl with an undefeated 12-0 record, Sean O'Malley looked great in the opening exchanges against a seasoned Marlon Vera, who had been in the UFC for six years at the time.
But midway through the first round, the South American hit his opponent with a nice leg kick which landed behind the knee, seemingly hitting O'Malley's peroneal nerve and causing him to lose control of his lower leg. With that 'Sugar', continuously hurt his ankle with each attempted step.
The injury then led to Vera securing a mounted position and landing some vicious ground and pound, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight just 20 seconds from the end of the round.