Sean O’Malley is picking former bantamweight king Dominick Cruz over his rival Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera.
Suga’s prediction
On a recent episode of O’Malley’s podcast, BROMALLEY, the No. 13 ranked bantamweight revealed that he believes Cruz will be too quick for Vera.
“You gotta respect it. When Jose [Aldo] fought ‘Chito,’ I said, ‘I think Jose wins that fight. When Chito fought Frankie [Edgar], I said, ‘I think Chito wins that fight.’ Chito fought Rob [Font], I think I said, ‘Chito wins that fight.’ Chito vs. Dom [Cruz], I think Dom wins. I just think Dom’s gonna be a little bit too fast, just a little bit better than Chito,” O’Malley said. “But, with that being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Chito won, but I do think Dom’s gonna take that.”
O’Malley’s co-host said it was interesting for Vera to take the Cruz fight because Vera jumped him in the rankings; however, O’Malley believes it is an excellent opportunity with title implications.
“He beats Dom Cruz, and you’re telling me he doesn’t get a title shot? Dominick Cruz has never lost to someone who hasn’t been a champion,” O’ Malley said.
The 27-year-old did give his rival props for wanting to fight someone behind him in the rankings and ‘wanting to fight.’
UFC 276
O’Malley has his own mega-fight coming up at UFC 276 against Pedro Munhoz, who Cruz beat last year. As expected, the popular fighter says he will piece up Munhoz.
“I feel like I’m gonna piece him up, dude,” O’Malley said. “He’s the toughest guy I’ve fought, hands down. Shortest guy I’ve fought. I just do really, really well against short people. I do well against pretty much, you know, any body type, but short people are the easier ones. Not easier, but they give me the most advantage.”
O’Malley also revealed he wanted to call Vera out after his upcoming fight with Munoz, but because he is booked, it can’t anymore.
