Jason Parillo thinks Marlon Vera would’ve beaten UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley if there was no time limit.
Vera (21-9-1 MMA, 15-8 UFC) showed great durability but was battered for five rounds by O’Malley (18-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) this past Saturday in the UFC 299 headliner.
Vera’s head coach, Parillo, praised his fighter and wants to see a trilogy bout next. “Chito” handed O’Malley the lone loss of his career when he finished him by TKO in August 2020.
“Couldn’t be prouder of my fighter @chitoveraufc! He competed for the UFC world title! Representing his country Ecuador and every hard working man that doesn’t give up! Chito 1-1 now with this kid! The kid got the decision and retained the title! Chito got the knock out in the first fight. With no clock? Chito goes to jail for murder! #godbless.”
While Parillo’s claim is rather bold considering that Vera did not win a single round, O’Malley admitted that with seconds remaining in the fight, Vera landed a liver shot that buckled him. In a back-and-forth spat on Twitter, Vera made sure to remind O’Malley of that.
“I’m fine black eye small cut the usual. How’s the liver? U do remember that sound u make.”
I’m fine black eye small cut the usual. How’s the liver? U do remember that sound u make https://t.co/Ev51TTelNX
— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) March 13, 2024
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.