Sean O’Malley will defend his UFC Featherweight Championship against Chito Vera in Miami, Florida, during UFC 299 but before the fight, Chito seems the fan favorite thanks to overwhelming chants at the presser.
The UFC 299 press conference was held on Thursday, as the fighters from the main card appeared in front of fans and reporters to field questions.
The feature event of UFC 299 is the long-awaited rematch between Sean O’Malley and Chito Vera. The lone loss on O’Malley’s record came against Vera in August 2020.
The two took questions, and both of them sent their fair share of shots at the other. While O’Malley assumed his typical role of trash talker, Vera was more calculated with his disses.
Chito Vera fans overtake UFC 299 press conference
The packed Miami crowd was overwhelmingly in favor of the challenger, as deafening “Chito Vera” chants interrupted several questions.
UFC CEO Dana White chimed in at one point, calling it one of the most electric press conferences ever. That only brought on a louder reaction from those in attendance.
O’MALLEY vs VERA! #UFC299 is LIVE SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV! pic.twitter.com/nDeBDitwSY
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 8, 2024
O’Malley, dawning his trademark colorful attire, sat and listened to the chants. The reporter pointed out, “It is a rare occasion that you’re not unanimously the fan favorite. Does this add motivation?”
“I’m calm. It’s easy to be calm when you know you’re going to knock someone the f* out!” O’Malley exclaimed. “Chito is a f**** piñata.”
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While O’Malley was boisterous and didn’t shy away from hurling insults, Vera let the crowd do most of his talking.
This crowd is going wild for Chito Vera! 🇪🇨 #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/RJpP63HIAo
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) March 7, 2024
When asked what this opportunity means for his UFC career, Vera said, “This is a life-changing opportunity. I’ve worked so hard for this. For ten years in this company.”
Again, a thunderous chant took over the arena as the crowd rallied around Vera ahead of his UFC title bout on Saturday.
As White said, there has never been a pre-fight press conference at that decibel level, even during the Conor McGregor fight weeks — it was that loud in Miami on Thursday.
Vera could ride that emotion to a second straight victory against O’Malley. As for “Suga Sean,” his personality is built to be the underdog. He fights with a chip on his shoulder; trash talk will only add to it.
The two will stand across from each other in the octagon during the UFC 299 main event. If Thursday’s presser was any indication, it should be a rowdy crowd with a heavy rooting interest in Chito Vera.
