UFC 252 takes place this Saturday 15th August at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. Whilst the main event closes the curtain on a phenomenal Heavyweight trilogy between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier, fans are equally excited about the Co-Main event which sees Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera attempt to tarnish the perfect 12-0 record of ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley.
O’Malley, who comes into Saturday’s Co-Main off the back of a ‘Knockout of the year’ contending KO against Eddie Wineland at UFC 250, has been extremely vocal about his rise to stardom and he’s even suggested Vera should be “grateful” to be facing him. O’Malley’s unique personality, combined with his confidence and highlight reel finishes, have earned fan’s comparing him to MMA megastar, Conor McGregor.
Whilst I acknowledge O’Malley’s potential both inside the Octagon and behind a microphone, to be compared to a superstar like McGregor is simply ludicrous. UFC 252 will mark O’Malley’s fifth fight under the UFC (not including DWTNCS) and whilst O’Malley has looked extremely impressive, especially since his return from a two-year USADA layoff, by McGregor’s fifth fight in the UFC we’d already seen him beat multiple top-10 opponents and headline two cards.
I am a firm believer that would can only beat whoever the UFC puts in the Octagon with you, Saturday’s Co-Main will continue O’Malley’s run of fighting Non-Ranked opponents. That being said, if ‘Sugar’ can keep his dominant streak intact with a victory over Vera, I can see many exciting matchups waiting for him in the Top 15 of an exciting Bantamweight division.
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