If the UFC 299 press conference was any indicator of the rowdiness that the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida can generate, then we’re in for quite the event on Saturday night as the UFC returns to South Beach for the second time in the past year. Right from the start, the fans at the conference were extremely vocal, even breaking into a few expletive-laced chants. The most intriguing aspect of the crowd dynamics revolved around our main event fighters: UFC Bantamweight champion “Suga” Sean O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera.
While O’Malley is accustomed to being the fan favorite and hearing more cheers than boos, this press conference illustrated how split the Miami crowd may be come Saturday night. With Miami’s rich Latino and Hispanic culture, it’s no surprise that the Ecuadorian-born Vera received immense support at Thursday night’s press conference. UFC President Dana White even declared it to be “one of the most electric press conferences of all time.”
The intense atmosphere hopefully sets the stage for one of the UFC’s most stacked cards of the year, featuring multiple former champions and title challengers. As we approach Saturday, some fans are already hailing UFC 299 as the best fight card of the year. From the Suga Show’s first title defense to a new “MVP” making his UFC debut, let’s delve into the most intriguing narratives leading up to Saturday’s event.
Can O’Malley Avenge His Only Loss?
Much of the discourse surrounding the event revolves around the Suga Show and what Sean O’Malley can do with his first title defense since winning the bantamweight title in August of last year, and rightfully so. This main event presents an opportunity for O’Malley to ascend to superstardom levels akin to Conor McGregor. With an impressive record of 17-1 and a no-contest, O’Malley appears to have all the makings of the next big thing in the sport. However, that sole blemish on his record, courtesy of Marlon Vera, remains a point of contention.
Their first encounter in August 2020 at the UFC Apex ended in a stunning first-round TKO by Vera. Now, almost four years later, they’ll face off again, this time in front of a packed Kaseya Center. The circumstances are vastly different, with O’Malley now holding the championship belt. Conversely, Vera, previously considered more of a gatekeeper than a title challenger, now has the chance to claim a title for the first time in his nearly ten-year UFC career. This rematch promises to be a battle of immense significance for both fighters, and Saturday night’s spectacle should be nothing short of electrifying.
Benoit Saint-Denis Health Scare?
Photo Cred: C News
Concerns arose among fight fans as photos emerged this week of Benoit Saint-Denis, prompting worries about a potential health risk, specifically on his forehead where observers noted a possible staph infection. Such an issue could pose a problem for the UFC, especially given past incidents, such as Paulo Costa’s withdrawal from UFC 294 due to a staph infection requiring surgery in October of last year.
This potential health concern could not only impact the UFC but also Saint-Denis himself, who has a crucial opportunity to showcase his talents against former UFC lightweight interim champion Dustin Poirier. The fight holds significant importance for Saint-Denis in terms of mapping out his career trajectory, while Poirier seeks to reaffirm his status as one of the lightweight division’s elite following his loss last July. As of Thursday night, the fight remains scheduled, with no further updates on the possible staph infection. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if this issue affects Saint-Denis during the fight.
The New ‘MVP’ of the UFC
Welcome to the big leagues, Michael “Venom” Page! After an illustrious career at Bellator, Page has made the leap to the UFC, bringing his highlight-reel knockout ability with him. Page boasts not only immense talent but also charisma and a unique fighting style, coupled with a professional MMA record of 21-2. He faces Kevin Holland, another fighter known for his unorthodox style and knack for delivering stunning finishes seemingly out of nowhere.
The knockout power exhibited by both fighters, combined with their distinctive fighting styles, hints at a potential fight of the night contender. Will the UFC witness the rise of a new MVP, or will this be a case of a star from another promotion failing to meet expectations in the UFC? The answer awaits on Saturday when UFC 299 unfolds in the Sunshine State.
