Sean O’Malley could be UFC’s first legit star at bantamweight after decisive win over Marlon Vera

Yahoo Sports' Ben Fowlkes offers up three quick thoughts from UFC 299, including the possibility of Sean O'Malley becoming the UFC's first star at bantamweight after his unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera.

Video Transcript

BEN FOWLKES: Well hello. I'm Ben Fowlkes from Yahoo Sports. Here's three quick things coming out of UFC 299.

Number one, in Sean O'Malley the UFC could have its first legitimate star at men's bantamweight. The lighter weight class has been a bit of a tough sell, but he puts on a great performance against Chito Vera, calls for a superfight with Ilia Topuria at 145 next. I mean, that's not the fight I would pick for Sean O'Malley if I were trying to pick one he stands a good chance of winning. But being willing to take on those big challenges, it'd be a mega fight if the UFC could put it together. That's what you look for in a guy trying to become a star in the UFC these days.

Number two, I know you didn't think Dustin Poirier was done. Dustin Poirier still has that dog in him. Against a dangerous young up and comer like Benoit Saint-Denis, he shows the poise, the experience, and just finding a way to grit it out and get it done. Even at 35 years old, Dustin Poirier is not anybody's stepping stone yet.

Lastly, that was pretty much exactly the UFC debut that Michael Venom Page needed. Just quirky, weird, fun and against Kevin Holland, who usually is the quirky, weird, fun one. Here, Michael Venom Page has made him look normal and extremely frustrated. It seems like there could still be some fun to be had in the UFC for MVP.

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