Despite still having a huge fight to win against bantamweight champ Sean O’Malley, Marlon Vera already has plans for the future if he succeeds in winning the title. For the challenger, it would be a rematch with Cory Sandhagen.
Vera is set to face “Sugar” as a title challenger at UFC 299 on March 9. It is one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the promotion, with O’Malley getting his chance to finally revenge his only career loss from Vera. To recall, the two first faced in August 2020, with “Chito” making the TKO win. The champ still hasn’t conceded Vera’s victory, claiming it was luck. Yet, for the challenger, it is the ticket that has given him the chance to steal the belt, which he expects to wear around his waist soon.
“The only reason this fight is happening is because I beat him,” Vera told The Schmo. “That’s the only reason the fight is happening. So, I’m glad it came out like that. This is the best moment to do it, title fight, and I’m excited to become a world champion soon.”
In case he wins the title, Vera plans to also follow the path O’Malley has taken by avenging his recent loss given by Sandhagen. The two fought last March, with “Sandman” claiming the win via a split decision. Needless to say, Vera is not impressed with the result and wants to prove he’s the real winner of that bout. And for the Ecuadorian, the only way to do that is through a rematch.
“I will ask for Sandhagen because he beat me,” Vera said. “That’s the only reason I will choose that fight. The winner of Merab (Dvalishvili) and Henry (Cejudo) is also a big fight, and the UFC knows, whoever they pick I will (fight). But if I had to choose myself, I want to kick Cory’s ass. I know his dorky ass is crying about it, but it’s not my fault no one gives a f*ck about him.”
