UFC News
UFC 299 Results, Highlights, Recap, Commentary, Live Update, Winners
BY SACNILK
UFC fans in Miami, Florida, prepare for another exciting night of fights as UFC 299: O'Malley vs. Vera 2 rolls into town. This stacked card boasts a highly anticipated rematch between reigning UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley and the number six contender, Marlon Vera. ## The main event promises fireworks as O'Malley seeks redemption after his first-round TKO loss to Vera back in 2020. However, Vera, known for his toughness and relentless fighting style, won't give up his shot at the title easily. ## Adding to the night's card, the co-main event features a lightweight clash between the number three contender Dustin Poirier and the number twelve ranked Benoit Saint Denis. UFC 299: O'Malley vs Vera 2 takes center stage at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. ## The main event will be available for viewing on ESPN+ PPV starting at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT. The earlier fights can be enjoyed progressively throughout the evening. Catch the exclusive early prelims on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT. The main prelims kick off at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+, joining the main channel at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT. ## UFC 299: O'Malley vs. Vera 2 Live Coverage ## Main Event ## Bantamweight Title: Sean O'Malley (c) vs. Marlon Vera ## ROUND 1: Low kicks are exchanged right away, met with loud cheers of "Ole" from the audience. Vera controls the center of the octagon as O'Malley changes stances and circles around the outside. They test each other with kicks, with Chito searching for a powerful oblique kick. O'Malley counters with a spinning back kick to the body.## Chito cleverly mirrors O'Malley's stance each time, preventing him from exploiting an open stance advantage. O'Malley lands a sharp right kick to the body. Vera remains patient, parrying O'Malley's attacks while offering minimal offense of his own, primarily kicks. He attempts a high kick combination, but O'Malley reads and blocks it.## O'Malley throws a left hook after shifting stances, but it misses. He then lands a body shot. O'Malley is measured but consistent with his attacks, while Vera remains cautious. O'Malley switches to southpaw and lands another clean left hook. Vera responds with a solid rear kick to the body and a surprising left hand over the top, which O'Malley narrowly avoids.## Vera focuses on attacking O'Malley's lead leg. O'Malley continues to switch stances, searching for openings. Vera remains disciplined, not reacting to O'Malley's feints. O'Malley lands another body shot followed by a jab and a low kick. He's finding success with a variety of strikes, while Vera stays patient with one minute remaining in the round. ## Vera's ability to mirror O'Malley's movement is impressive, preventing him from establishing a dominant rhythm. However, the champion lands two solid punches to the body and a rear kick. He attempts a high punch to close the round, but Vera dodges it. ## ROUND 2: In summary, O'Malley dominated the first round with his volume striking and speed advantage, while Vera struggled to keep up and relied heavily on his chin to absorb punishment. O'Malley effectively utilized jabs and kicks to maintain distance and build momentum, landing freely and showing confidence in his striking combinations. ## Vera attempted counters but was largely unable to mount significant offense. Despite a big knee from O'Malley and a cut on Vera, both fighters remained resilient. O'Malley ended the round strong, dropping Vera with a right hand, although it seemed more like an off-balance moment rather than a significant knockdown. ## ROUND 3: In the second round, Vera showed more aggression and attempted to draw O'Malley into a brawl, but O'Malley remained disciplined and focused on maintaining distance and using his range effectively. ## Despite Vera's efforts, O'Malley's volume striking and defense continued to control the fight. Vera managed to land some shots, but O'Malley's defensive skills and movement kept him mostly unscathed. The round ended with both fighters still standing, with Vera slipping at the end. ## ROUND 4: O'Malley looks gassed, but he's pacing himself well. Vera needs to step it up if he wants to win. He just threw a jumping knee, and O'Malley's movement is limited. O'Malley lands a jab and circles out, creating space. He counters with a right hand. Vera calms down, which stalls his offense.## Chito lands a good uppercut and charges again. O'Malley backs up, eating another knee. This is Vera's path to victory. O'Malley survives and fires back, finding space. Vera relentlessly pushes forward, and O'Malley clearly dislikes it, but he fights back.## This fight is a brawl now. O'Malley trips Vera and is bleeding from his nose. He keeps targeting the body. Vera piles on the pressure, and O'Malley is breathing heavily. His body language shows fatigue, but he's still throwing punches.## Vera is finally finding his rhythm. O'Malley shows grit and keeps hitting the body. He's slowly taking control of the round with his jab and body shots. Vera is tiring. O'Malley lands a clean jab. When the fight stays technical, O'Malley dominates. Vera tries to brawl again, but O'Malley showcases his impressive gas tank. Big punch from O'Malley! Vera is a tank, he can take anything.## Chito is a mess, but he doesn't care. He throws a left hook and connects. O'Malley fires back. This is an exciting fight! ## ROUND 5: O'Malley's jab is on point, following his corner's advice to fight strategically. Vera, however, isn't being reckless despite his instructions. And he gets rocked! O'Malley capitalized on Vera's opening.## Well, "rocked" is a strong word. Vera's moving away, but he's still mobile. Looks like O'Malley might have landed an eye poke. Vera's in full retreat now, turtling up against the cage. O'Malley's on the hunt, but staying at a safe distance.## Vera's bleeding heavily from his eye. It's questionable if he has any offensive capability left. He's backing away constantly, with O'Malley sticking to him like glue. O'Malley might be looking to knock him out, but Vera's still determined, so it's unlikely.## O'Malley's throwing punches in bunches now, staying within range. He seems confident Vera can't hurt him anymore. Maybe he's right. Except Vera lands a left that stuns him. O'Malley quickly returns fire though.## With 90 seconds left, O'Malley seems to have resigned himself to not getting a knockout. He's staying active but prioritizing safety. Vera throws a spinning body kick. O'Malley lands a combination. Vera's covering up a lot. Honestly, I'm not sure he can see clearly. Vera misses with a front kick. He's giving it his all in the final minute.## And a good knee from Vera pushes O'Malley back. But O'Malley fires back. Both men are trading body shots now. O'Malley's brawling at the end here. They're exchanging punches in the center, but this is clearly the champion's round. ## WINNER: Sean O'Malley (c) via Decision (unanimous) (50–45, 50–45, 50–44) ## Lightweight: Dustin Poirier vs. Benoît Saint Denis ## ROUND 1: In a flurry of action, Poirier misses a left hook and BSD secures a double leg takedown. Despite Poirier's attempt to counter, BSD maintains control against the fence, delivering knees to the legs. Poirier manages to evade some strikes but gets caught by BSD's Thai clinch and knees. ## Despite being cut, Poirier retaliates with counter shots as BSD continues his relentless assault, landing hooks to the body and head. Poirier struggles under BSD's pressure, but manages to defend against a kimura attempt and withstands BSD's attacks until the end of the round. ## ROUND 2: Poirier's corner delivers a decisive message to abandon the guillotine tactic. Poirier recovers well and looks fresh. However, BSD takes control of the center and advances. Suddenly, Poirier lands a monstrous uppercut that sends BSD to the canvas. Yet, Poirier attempts another guillotine, which proves to be a terrible decision as BSD escapes and swiftly transitions to mount position.## Poirier finds himself in a precarious situation as BSD attacks his neck, but he manages to maneuver and get BSD against the fence. Despite eating an elbow, Poirier gets back up, only to face another onslaught from BSD.## In a bold move, Poirier strikes BSD with a body shot followed by a left hook, knocking BSD down. Though BSD quickly gets up and charges forward, Poirier lands a devastating right hook, ending the fight abruptly. BSD's exposed chin costs him dearly. ## WINNER: Dustin Poirier via KO (punch)RD 2, 2:32 ## Welterweight: Kevin Holland vs. Michael Page## ROUND 1: Michael opens in center stance, bouncing. Starts with a sharp leg kick. Holland counters with a jab. Michael keeps his hands low. Michael lands a clean right that finds Holland's mark. He throws in some showboating. Holland cuts the cage and throws wild punches to clinch. He gets it against the fence, but Michael secures an underhook. Short knees and shoulder bumps follow. Grappling for control, Michael gets double unders and breaks free. Michael with a right over the top, maintaining distance. Then a leaping elbow. Clinch initiated by Michael, followed by a left. Teep to the body then a left hand, all clean from Michael. He has a clear speed advantage. ## Holland chases Michael around the cage but misses and gets clipped by a big right hand. Another one lands. Michael connects with another leaping right. Holland chops his leg, but MVP recovers. They clinch again, Michael controls Holland against the fence. Trading short punches. Finally they separate with a minute left. Page lands another huge right hand. Holland chases but can't connect. Another right hand finds its mark. Holland clinches as Michael steps in, pushing him back to the fence. Bell rings before anything further develops. Page lands a final back elbow as they separate. ## ROUND 2: Page opens with a wheel kick, blocked by Holland. Holland lands a good right hand despite a comical jump to reach. They clinch, Holland lands knees but Page escapes with underhooks. Page maintains a wide distance, forcing a wary Holland to stay back. Another clean right from Page finds its mark as Holland steps in. Page feints and lands another right, backing Holland up with movement.## Huge mistake by Page! He attempts a spinning jump and falls, allowing Holland to jump on his back. Holland takes him down and attacks a choke. Page spins but eats big elbows from the dominant Holland on top control. Holland smothers and controls from top half guard. Page struggles with limited mobility. Holland lands big elbows but Page scrambles up with 2 minutes left.## Page lands a big right that cuts and staggers Holland. A monstrous right hand spins Holland's head but he charges forward, showing impressive chin. Page stays mobile. Holland lands a low kick. Another right by Page staggers Holland, followed by another. Holland is visibly hurt! He stumbles down but Page lets him up. Holland's stance betrays his discomfort. A monstrous back elbow from Page lands clean again. Incredible that Holland survives it, charging in as the bell sounds. ## ROUND 3: Page lands immediate right hand, trips Holland! Holland taunts him to fight, but Page avoids. They talk briefly. ## Page throws a missed uppercut. Holland takes his back! But Page stays upright and reaches the fence, trying to dislodge Holland's grip. Holland holds on tight. Suddenly, Page collapses to his knees. Holland adjusts position, then Page stands and breaks away quickly.## Another brutal right hand from Page hurts Holland. Another trip, and Holland beckons him again. Page showboats and walks away. Holland stands. Page throws a missed combo ending with a near-landing high kick. Holland looks demoralized and silent. Big body kick and showboating from Page. Nasty spinning elbow cuts Holland. Holland charges but MVP evades. Perhaps overconfident, Holland misses a right hand. They clinch, but MVP dominates. He pins Holland against the fence, stalling for time.## They break. Holland is slow and hesitant. Page lands a left. Holland clinches but lacks good position, allowing Page to break easily. Holland chases a mobile Page around the cage, eats another right hand. Clean uppercut by Page. Holland chases in vain. Holland's corner pleads for a strategy, but he seems outmatched. Holland resorts to running away and mocking Page with dancing. ## Leg kick, clinch at round's end. Fight over. ## WINNER: Michael Page via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) ## Welterweight: Gilbert Burns vs. Jack Della Maddalena ## ROUND 1: Burns opens with a body kick followed by a calf kick, both connecting. Jack Della counters with a jab and keeps his guard tight. Burns throws another body kick. He attempts a high kick but Jack Della blocks it. Burns shoots for a takedown with a double leg. Jack Della defends but Burns maintains pressure, nearly getting his back. Jack Della scrambles up and uses the fence to avoid Burns' control. Burns stays aggressive but Jack Della secures an underhook. Jack Della throws a knee as Burns attempts a takedown. JDM executes a powerful throw, Burns stays on his feet but drops to a knee. Jack Della throws a hard knee that grazes Burns' head, nearly illegal but the fight continues.## Jack Della controls the center with jabs. He lands a clean right rear hand. Burns responds with a body kick and a right hand, spinning away. He throws another right, looking more aggressive. JDM times a counter perfectly as Burns pushes forward. Jack Della lands a strong hook to the body, pushing Burns back to the fence. He repeats the body shot as Burns struggles to land anything. Jack Della controls the distance, leaving Burns frustrated. Another body shot from Jack Della.## Burns throws a high kick that misses. He keeps throwing body kicks, staying active despite low impact. He successfully brings Jack Della in range and executes a powerful double leg takedown. Burns lands some good shots, including a big right hand, before the round ends. ## ROUND 2: Jack Della immediately claims the center and uses his jab. Burns feints kicks but gets no reaction. Jack Della lands a sharp jab as Burns steps in. He switches stances fluidly, confusing Burns. Burns attempts a tricky snatch single takedown and secures it.## JDM fights to stay upright but Burns controls him in a cradle with a locked arm. Jack Della frees his arm and reaches the fence, escaping Burns' control.## A brutal elbow lands from Burns as Jack Della approaches. Jack Della absorbs the impact but the area starts to swell. Jack Della unleashes a flurry of jabs, both one-twos. Burns throws power punches back but misses the mark. Jack Della targets the body with consistent straight punches.## Burns throws a blocked right hand, allowing Jack Della to land a clean body combo. Jack Della's boxing shines in this round. A hook forces Burns to retreat, followed by another body hook from Jack Della. He's making strategic choices.## A monstrous right hand from Burns connects with Jack Della, who absorbs it. But Burns capitalizes with a blast double takedown! Jack Della quickly transitions to a hip throw attempt. Burns stays with him as Jack Della goes to a knee, then secures a cradle again and gains dominant position. Burns transitions smoothly into mount! Jack Della tries to escape but Burns takes his back and cinches in a body lock. A dominant finish for Burns to close the round. ## ROUND 3: Jack Della controls the center, pushing Burns back. Burns stays active but gets hit by a right hand and a left hook. Jack Della uses sharp footwork but hesitates to attack. He seizes the moment! Burns throws a high kick, Jack Della counters and tags him! Burns shells up as Jack Della targets both body and head. Burns stumbles back, wobbly on his feet.## Burns attempts a double leg takedown. Jack Della defends but Burns maintains pressure. He pins Jack Della against the fence. Jack Della nearly goes down but stays upright. Burns starts bleeding but manages to take Jack Della down. They're in an awkward position by the fence as Jack Della tries to stand with his back against it. Burns controls Jack Della's legs tightly.## Jack Della shows frustration as Burns maintains leg control, trying to sweep. Burns transitions to a dominant position and looks for a hook but Jack Della stands up. Burns grabs Jack Della's waist and Jack Della throws a wild kick. Burns stays attached and attempts to take his back.## Burns struggles to establish dominant position but Jack Della spins out. Jack Della lands a massive knee that hurts Burns badly! Burns is in critical condition and JDM unleashes a flurry of strikes - elbows! Referee Mario Mazziota allows extra time for Burns to recover but he's out! A spectacular comeback finish by Jack Della Maddalena! ## WINNER: Jack Della Maddalena via TKO (knee and elbows)RD 3, 3:43 ## Bantamweight: Petr Yan vs. Song Yadong ## ROUND 1: Song wastes no time launching a leg kick. Yan responds with his own leg kick. Song counters effectively with a sharp left hook.## Song attempts a takedown, Yan lands a right hand over the top. The action remains intense in the opening minute as they size each other up. Yan throws a low kick followed by a quick left hand. Yan switches to body jabs. Song misses a wild right hand. ## Song steps in for a double-leg takedown but changes course, landing a slightly awkward but effective left hand. Yan targets the body with consistent jabs. Song throws a combination but Yan blocks it effectively. Song lands a leg kick and follows up with another well-timed left hook as Yan attempts a calf kick.## Yan lands a solid body kick but seems overly cautious. Yan throws another couple of kicks, one to the body and one to the leg. Song reacts quickly, catches the leg kick, and takes Yan down. Yan uses a hook to get back on his feet, but Song maintains control. Yan manages to stand again, but Song continues to hold onto the waist lock. Yan executes a gramby roll attempt, but Song stays on him. Yan finally gets back to his feet but absorbs a few decent right hands from Song in the process.## With 30 seconds remaining, Yan desperately tries to regain control but misses his strikes. Song swings back with heavy punches. Yan attempts a single leg takedown transitioning to a trip at the round's end, but Song displays good balance and stays upright. ## ROUND 2: Yan establishes control in the center of the ring, motivated by his corner's criticism. Song lands a strong left hand immediately but follows with a failed takedown attempt that leads to an exchange of punches. Yan seems a step behind, reacting defensively to Song's proactive offense. Song corners Yan and lands a clean right hand before disengaging.## Yan responds with a well-timed uppercut at the end of a 1-2 combination. Song counters with a left hand, but Yan lands another uppercut as Song dips low. The uppercut becomes a target for Song, who lands a powerful overhand right. The fight becomes more of a brawl, with Yan effectively targeting the body and trading blows with Song. Song clinches, but Yan maneuvers to the fence with Song maintaining a waist lock. Yan throws elbows back to break the clinch, targeting Song's arm.## Another sharp uppercut and a left hand land for Yan, who's finding his range and reacting less to feints. The fight is paused momentarily due to a tape issue with Yan's gloves. After a brief repair, the action resumes.## Yan lands a solid right to the body, followed by another. As Song dips for a takedown, Yan cleverly trips him down. Song quickly gets back up, but Yan is finding momentum. Song attempts a single leg takedown, but Yan spins out and delivers a powerful kick to Song's body. Song's pace is visibly slowing, and Yan lands a sharp jab. Song maintains pressure, but Yan effectively mixes up his attacks and reads Song's offense better.## Yan unleashes a good combination, and Song's punches appear labored and overextended. Yan stays in close quarters, tagging Song with two powerful uppercuts and a body shot. Song fires back with a big overhand right, but Yan displays excellent head movement. As Song steps in, Yan beautifully changes levels for a spectacular takedown. He takes dominant guard position and lands elbows. Song is cut and appears less mobile, while Yan surges forward, firmly back in the fight. ## ROUND 3: Song maintains pressure with jabs, but Yan spins him and delivers a body kick. Song, despite slowing down, barely blocks a wheel kick from Yan. Song invites Yan to attack. Song presses forward and lands a solid left hand. He attempts a single leg takedown, but Yan maintains balance, escapes, and lands a left of his own.## Yan throws another uppercut followed by a single-leg trip attempt, which Song blocks. The round's pace is remarkable. Song relentlessly marches forward. Yan rolls with the punches and lands a good left hand inside. He secures a single leg takedown but Yan escapes. Another uppercut from Yan, who's recovering his breath. Song lands a right as Yan throws a leg kick. Despite fatigue and visible cuts over both eyes, Song continues to press forward.## Yan's jab and right hand find their mark repeatedly. Song tries to turn the fight into a brawl, but Yan controls the distance with his superior range. Song charges into a clinch, but Yan shrugs him off and lands a sharp elbow. He then drops for a single leg takedown, transitioning to a sacrifice roll, and ends up in dominant top position!## Yan smothers a fading Song from the top half guard, raining down elbows. Song manages to return to guard, but Yan maintains control. With 30 seconds left in the round and victory within reach, Yan transitions to side control and lands a clean elbow. Song scrambles to his knees, but time is running out. Yan secures a D'Arce choke just before the buzzer to seal the win. ## WINNER: Petr Yan via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) ## Preliminary card (ESPN / ESPN+ / ESPNews) ## - Heavyweight Curtis Blaydes defeated Jailton Almeida TKO (punches) RD 2, 0:36 ## -Women's Flyweight: Maycee Barber defeated Katlyn Cerminara via Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28) ## - Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot defeated Rafael dos Anjos via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) ## - Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips defeated Pedro Munhoz via Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) ## Early preliminary card (ESPN / ESPN+) ## - Light Heavyweight: Philipe Lins defeated Ion Cuțelaba via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) ## - Middleweight: Michel Pereira defeated Michał Oleksiejczuk via Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) RD 1, 1:01 ## - Heavyweight: Robelis Despaigne defeated Josh Parisian via TKO (punches) RD 1, 0:18 ## - Catchweight (127 lb): Asu Almabaev defeated C.J. Vergara via Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) ## - Women's Flyweight: Joanne Wood defeated Maryna Moroz via Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) ## Keep refreshing the page! ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...
