Marlon Vera is expecting to get into the top five following his fight against Sean O’Malley.
This Saturday, the bantamweight will be fighting the UFC star and Vera is hoping to end all the hype for O’Malley with a devastating knockout. Since making his return earlier this year, O’Malley has been making waves in the division thanks to his impressive performances over José Alberto Quiñónez and Eddie Wineland.
Following his controversial loss to Song Yadong at UFC on ESPN 8, Vera was knocked out of the top 15 division rankings; however, the 27-year-old is expecting to get close to the top five in the rankings after his win over O’Malley:
“This is a fight that puts me close to the top five,” Vera said in Spanish on Monday’s episode of “Hablemos MMA.” “We’ve seen fighters like Cody Garbrandt, who are coming off three defeats, beat someone who’s basically outside of the rankings like (Raphael) Assuncao, knocks him out, and gets in the top three above Pedro Munhoz, who knocked him out.
“So the rankings make no sense. But since this is a popularity contest, I beat the brat, and they have to put me in the top, so good for me.”
Vera isn't concerned with what O’Malley thinks and calls various fighters idiots for entertaining the bantamweight's comments since his return to the octagon:
“I couldn’t give a sh*t if he’s underestimating me or not,” Vera said. “I don’t care what he thinks or does. What does matter is that Saturday, he’s going to have me in front of him and not those idiots that are replying to him, giving him fame and credibility.
“If I’m on top, why am I going to be trash-talking someone below me? It doesn’t have logic. The champion, himself, is replying to him. People need to use their brain a little more, but it seems they’re stupid because if I’m the champion and someone if the top-15 is talking sh-t, I’m obviously going to keep an eye on him and be ready for him, but I’m not going to be replying to someone who’s far from fighting for the title. But to each to their own. Thanks to them for making this fight bigger for me.”