Sean O’Malley lives up to the hype at UFC 299

Sean O”Malley(18-1, 1 NC) has all the makings of a superstar and every time he hits the octagon he proves that theory to be true. Saturday at UFC 299 from Miami O”Malley got the opportunity to enhance his stardom by making up for the only blemish on his career record by demolishing Marlon Vera (23-9-1).

O’Malley defeated Vera via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-44) in the main event of UFC 299 on Saturday night. With the victory, O'Malley picked up his first successful defense of the UFC bantamweight title. O”Malley was able to land a combination of deadly strikes. Even badly injuring his opponent early in the second round.

"I felt something in his face break," O'Malley said of the knee. "I don't know if it was his nose or cheek. I felt something snap.” Vera was transported to the hospital after Saturday's fight for precautionary reasons due to possible head and facial injuries, according to UFC. O'Malley landed 230 significant strikes, the third most in a UFC title fight and the most in a UFC bantamweight title fight history.

O’Malley’s showmanship is the reason for his rising popularity but take away the colorful hair and unique clothing O’Malley can truly fight. "He's on his way," White said of O'Malley, citing a $14.14 million gate for UFC 299, the fourth highest in promotion history. "He's the biggest star ever in bantamweight history. We can say that right now."

As for what’s next O”Malley wants to be a double champion. O'Malley said White should fire up a private jet for him to travel to Spain to fight new UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in a superfight. O'Malley said he was also willing to fight top bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili also.

As for the opponent O”Malley called out UFC” s featherweight champion responded to O”Malley on Twitter. “Suga, congrats... was a beautiful performance,” Topuria said. “There is a fight chasing you with Merab. Get that done first.”