Sean O'Malley explains how Cory Sandhagen already has a major disadvantage if he fights Marlon 'Chito' Vera

Sean O'Malley previewed the recently announced bantamweight bout between Cory Sandhagen and Marlon 'Chito' Vera that will take place at UFC Fight Night 219 in February. The No.1-ranked bantamweight shared one factor that he believes will affect Sandhagen in the fight.

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@ChitoVeraUFC and @CorySandhagen will be taking center stage Saturday, Feb. 18th! https://t.co/aFiJ56FUrq

Speaking on his TimboSugarShow podcast, O'Malley stated:

"The only difference is the cage, the small cage. The reason - the [UFC] Apex doesn't have a big cage and it makes zero sense. The big cage is what, 40 percent bigger than the small cage? Like, quite a bit, significantly bigger. That plays a role."

After O'Malley's coach and co-host, Tim Welch, pointed out that the UFC Apex has a 22-foot-long cage, the No.1-ranked bantamweight added:

"I think it gives Chito [Vera] a pretty big advantage. I don't know if advantage is the right word, but a disadvantage rather for Cory [Sandhagen]."

Marlon Vera, the No.4-ranked bantamweight, is currently on a four-fight win streak, while Cory Sandhagen, the No.5-ranked bantamweight, picked up a victory in his last bout. The winner of the fight will likely enter the crowded bantamweight title picture.

Watch Sean O'Malley discuss Cory Sandhagen's disadvantage against Marlon 'Chito' Vera below (starting at the 9:10 mark):

Sean O'Malley reveals that he wants Marlon 'Chito' Vera to defeat Cory Sandhagen

Sean O'Malley is currently without an opponent following his split decision victory over Petr Yan at UFC 280. While the winner of the bout was expected to receive the next bantamweight title shot, Henry Cejudo's return to the division has altered those plans as the former double champ appears to be next in line to face bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling.

O'Malley has not let that deter him from his title plans, however, as the No.1-ranked bantamweight recently shared how the bout between Marlon 'Chito' Vera and Cory Sandhagen factors into those plans, particularly if Sterling retains his belt before moving up to featherweight.

Speaking on his podcast, TimboSugarShow, O'Malley stated:

"I want Chito [Vera] to win, obviously, because then if [Sterling moving up] is the case, me versus Chito for the belt is massive or I go out there and beat whoever that is and then first title defense is against Chito."

It is no surprise that O'Malley would like to face Vera as the No.4-ranked bantamweight handed him the only loss of his career via a first-round TKO at UFC 252. The potential matchup would allow him to avenge his loss at much higher stakes.

Watch Sean O'Malley discuss why he wants Marlon 'Chito' Vera to defeat Cory Sandhagen below (starting at the 11:23 mark):