Marlon Vera UFC 299 Interview: I’m going to break Sean O’Malley | ESPN MMA

Stream UFC 299 on ESPN+ plus.espn.com/ufc/ppv
ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto sits down with Marlon Vera at his home as they preview Chito's rematch vs. Sean O’Malley in Miami for the bantamweight title.
0:00 Tattoos
4:31 His new house
7:59 Reflecting on his past
9:52 Mindset heading into title fight
11:55 Rematch expectations
14:32 Does the first bout matter?
16:55 His kids
19:05 Where does your mind go on fight day?
20:14 How would you react to winning?
#UFC299 #Vera #UFC
✔ For more UFC, sign up for ESPN+ espnplus.com/ufc/youtube
✔ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔ Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC
✔ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@BertleMcGertle]

The difference between Sean and Chito is that Sean TRIES to be cool and Chito IS cool.

[@BgdNomad]

exactly

[@Thedarcyboys]

Literally lol

[@TeeSlice]

💯

[@pinksupremacy6076]

I don't get that vibe at all. Sean's just a little awkward from the get-go but that's also why I like him. Sure, he wants to be a super star but who wouldn't?

[@jeffn2723]

Eh, Sean could easily be a way bigger Dbag than he is. I give him that. I think its pretty weak he cheats on his girl and openly talks about it, but to each their own I suppose.

[@NotBobbyHill]

Chito is just a natural cool chill dude.

[@sproutzer]

What’s scary is most badass dudes are usually like that chill and quiet but straight up killers. He’s a real one for sure

[@jeffn2723]

You know he smokes a half ounce a week for sure

[@jeffn2723]

@@sproutzer People who are actually badass like that would rather not have anyone know. It doesn't help them at all for people to know. The scariest people I have ever met were super chill.

[@jarnold1789]

He absolutely rules. Chill dude and a savage fighter, love it

[@OddJames]

He's so real and the family yelling in the background was the best lmao

[@BlueBARv5]

i like Chito but I just don't see him beating The undefeated Suga..

[@KirbyBackwards]

@@BlueBARv5 try looking on Sherdog you'll see it there

[@OddJames]

@@BlueBARv5 he's 17-1-1... Lol he has a loss and a no contest. I don't care if he got it overturned a loss is a loss. Just like as if he got his chain stolen and he got it back, he can act like it wasn't stolen all day... doesn't change the fact it got stolen the first place... A loss is a loss etc People have to grow up and learn how to take an L and the tie-dyed Q-tip with punching power never learned that... Lol If he gets another loss this weekend it will just get added onto the record, if he wins it doesn't change the fact that he still has a loss and a no contest on his record. I don't have a side, but you suga fan boys are like those Taylor Swift Fans trying to act like he's "undefeated". Do you also look up to Logan and Jake Paul? Serious question. I assume O'Malley has the same fan base.

[@KZ_MMA_]

@@BlueBARv5 The clown isn't undefeated

[@justvibing2497]

You dk him personally relax lol

[@monstanick9722]

People hate on Chito for no reason he’s a family guy everything he does is for his family

[@Thedarcyboys]

The only ones hating on Chito are 12 year old O’Malley fan boys lol

[@TheMrComentarista]

Who hates on Chito?

[@franlovelsimic8421]

I don't care about his family nor do I hate him but he for me is the Derrick Lewis of bantas. Very fun when steamrolling people but freezes or stalks ad nauseam when true opposition arrives. Don't like Suga that much but think he's too quick and crafty for Vera. Interesting fight either way!

[@Mv13557]

So is Sean?

[@azumpire]

Chito is a class act. Unlike Sean

[@EloyGabriel_]

I'm a big suga fan but watching this guy win the title for Ecuador would be one of the best stories in MMA

[@coldestbeer]

Stop writing fanfics lil bro. That ain't happening. 😂

[@hassanluna4747]

best story ? na

[@EloyGabriel_]

@@coldestbeer hahahaha

[@JohnSmith-pg9ns]

I don't like Sean but Chito will wake up with the help of the referee that night

[@jdamsel8212]

@@coldestbeer Yeah I forgot O'Malley Tko'd Vera... oh wait.

[@brianhurst8563]

19:24 Chitos kids just screaming F*** This F*** that is 😂 his face after then proceeded to talk with a smile lmaoooo

[@VinydFPV]

I freaking love Chito and a good man. Wish him the best!!!

[@PeterPiper777]

Sus af

[@KingSlayer420]

Mikey B?

[@JohnSmith-pg9ns]

The best after his upcoming loss against Sean

[@josiffexplosiff1]

Tell him I said what’s up next time you hang out with him since you know him so well 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Mcfc2Rich]

do you always find your jokes that funny@@josiffexplosiff1

[@KZ_MMA_]

Jamahal Hill with those terribly low quality prison thumbs 👍🏼

[@travisandsamantha]

this is exactly what i thought when he mentioned bad tattoos in the ufc. lol

[@josiffexplosiff1]

He’s from Michigan. We all have them unfortunately.

[@ComplexWork]

@@josiffexplosiff1everyone? Nah just you lmao

[@VROOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM]

Darren Elkins “THE DAMAGE” and everything on Justin Gaethje

[@x916x]

Wack asf 😂 followers?​@@josiffexplosiff1

[@austinsutton27]

Up until I watched this interview i was heavily going for Sean... but as a dad of 2 sons, when Chito explained how he humbled himself in front of his children and showed them how to conquer fear... I'm now going for Chito, as a fathers respect to another father.

[@SeanLives]

Sean is also a father bro

[@thedude8503]

More like a childad, but yeah he has a kid with a woman in an open relationship, you can call that fatherhood in America I guess.

[@american1207]

So you're just going for anyone who talks about disciplining their kid? Doesn't O'Malley have kids as well? Sterling and Cejudo have some as well.

[@windytv7511]

@@american1207but chito is a double dad

[@slicknick8865]

Geeze i got second hand embarrassment for this glazing

[@chrississon5954]

Cameraman slowly panning back and forth over coffee table 😂😂

[@ronrondrewthat]

Lmao literally was happening as I was reading the comment 😂

[@JFord1234]

He a journeymen

[@asharpbrotha4324]

For dramatic effect 😂

[@stevennieto9898]

He's all doing dolly shots. 😂

[@Thedarcyboys]

He getting paid better than the fighters

[@heywatchthis1992]

My brother and me ran into Chito a few times at the monster hotel for ufc 295 in NY. Such a cool normal guy and he is also way bigger than I would've thought. And New via Left head kick in the fourth round

[@joaquin57]

Wake up

[@MansterBear]

A head kick? Chito has a better chance of landing that toe-to-nerve kick again lol

[@tannermcguire7713]

​@@MansterBearyeah Rob font , Dominic Cruz, Brad Pickett and Frankie Edgar beg to differ

[@MansterBear]

@@tannermcguire7713 If Sean was 5' 6" I'd get your point lol. And Dominic is the only one who has close to the movement of Sean. I mean it's UFC. Anything can happen. But the fact that you can headkick dudes that are 5' 6" and (for the most part) slower and less mobile doesn't mean you can head kick a faster 5' 11" guy

[@AlexsYoutubeAcct]

Wonder why he didn’t headkick Cory

[@hairyhiker3047]

Chito didn't strech his legs out once, impressive!😄

[@lowlowseesee]

I would have passed out lol

[@jetMan365]

To be fair its his own home, hes would be most comfortable there

[@Qiyokuu]

@@lowlowseeseeWhy?

[@loowisk1113]

I sit like this quite regularly lol

[@f4llenstarr]

I'm confused is this not normal to be able to sit cross legged for 20 minutes? (Genuine Q)

[@2WheelsGood]

Chito rules. He has great energy and, wise and understated.

[@808Tornado]

This man has my respect. Never cared much for him as a person till this interview

[@haga7596]

Also I’m sure he doesn’t care that he has your late/fake casual respect

[@cptflippers5734]

@@haga7596 facts

[@jarnold1789]

@@haga7596 Dude lmao don’t try to gatekeep being a fan of the guy. Chill

[@haga7596]

@@jarnold1789 what u even talking about ? Awhole load of gibberish no one gives a dam lad

[@kaiserbayproductions]

From the distracting camera movements/cut choices, to the placement of the LAV mic under Chito’s beard, I can’t believe this content is approved and provided by ESPN. Please hire me.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

The media is always drunk and wasted most of the time. ESPN is lazy and lame like all media.

[@mrlittlemartian]

and brett okamoto has the personality of a wet mop

[@NovaBlade926]

His kids yelling in the background 😅 even chito looked at Brett like sorry bro 😂😂

[@wayfaringstranger8430]

Dude, the UFC has some amateurish brand design and filming and they make some weirdo mistakes. I legitimately believe that either interns or someone's cousins film everything and set up their website and social media. Once you start paying attention, you just notice it more and more 🤣

[@jarnold1789]

lol why is the camera moving

[@user-ko7nk9pc9t]

GO CHITO GO....May the Gods be with you on your quest for Victory !

[@christopherbellisario9195]

Really hope this dude smokes Suga...love this guy

[@KentuckyFriedSushi]

😂

[@stacyprince7358]

Good luck

[@Thedarcyboys]

@@stacyprince7358He’s done it before and he can do it again lol He doesn’t need luck

[@ssj4goku18825theepic]

Sean has good fients if he wrestles or pressures well then he could have a shot

[@theduhscripshunn5476]

Not a chance 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@zcl812]

lmao love the tattoo trash talk

[@brennenspice6098]

I like thst he respects the actual art

[@sebastianservellon]

i mean if we're being honest, sean's tattoos really are an eyesore to look at it. quite literally trailer trash tattoos. sorry.

[@B-RADLEY1]

Very good interview and definitely gave me a new perspective of Marlon.

[@PoyTroy]

You need to watch more interviews of him then lol. If you’ve listened to him years ago on other podcasts dude is legit humble , respectable, and hungry.

[@quentinlewis4060]

So stoked for next weekend. What a banger from top to bottom

[@revivedwarrior5899]

They bleep out Chito cursing then you hear the kids in the back dropping F bombs 🤣

[@kstokman]

Idk if it’s Chito or the fact that I’m drinking but this is the first good Brett Okamoto interview I’ve ever seen…and I’ve tried to watch him for YEARS.

[@ontariocannabis4203]

hahahaha

[@Hlife54]

Brett is the worst interviewer in mma

[@liam10123]

Chito will be a great active champion, I can’t wait!

[@pinksupremacy6076]

He'll get smoked immediately though. No wrestling defense whatsoever.

[@jgadventures4161]

​@@pinksupremacy6076😂 wrestling?

[@Michorida]

He got destroyed

[@johndaniels3316]

How do you not love Chito? He's a pretty down to earth, good dude it seems.

[@acidphoenix9110]

The way chito talks about life is real asf I wish him best of luck

[@Kknnn]

Love this man

[@marioiglesias4850]

Un ejemplo como deportista y como persona, todo lo contrario al del pelo de colores ánimo y fuerza desde España para Chito

[@thenorthwestcollective5877]

Comunidad de Hispanos hermanados!!!! 🇪🇦🇪🇨 España está con chito

[@mario9583]

Vamos Chito! Nuevo Campeon del mundo. Respeto de un Croata 🤛 🇭🇷

[@Shug28]

Good guy or not. Colored hair boy will smash your boy

[@benhallo1553]

Sick interview. Some good questions

[@XarkoCZ]

Chito's has it in him to win this, but he's wrong about one thing. O'Malley is not a quitter.

[@Loskywalker]

He’s got it done before

[@itzcourage4567]

@@Loskywalkerbro what a joke of a comment this is. That was the lousiest win I've ever seen. He did not deserve that. That's why they are fighting again.

[@giovannib1866]

@@itzcourage4567 Sean should’ve protected his twig legs more prudently.

[@Thedarcyboys]

@@itzcourage4567A fight is a fight, and Sean lost lol He can use all the excuses he wants, at the end of the day Chito destroyed him

[@heassik3088]

​@@itzcourage4567stop the sean d riding, chito elbowed his face till the fight was stopped 😂

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, ESPN MMA

[@edwardkakaire7362]

Great interview, and perspective.

[@oscartalbot7496]

Excellent interview

[@enmitynz4613]

Chito is such a good dude, I have so much respect for him. I wish him the best in the fight with Sean.

[@dangoldstein9003]

The kid raging and swearing in the back ground. 😂😂

[@jaycee571]

What a great humble and chilled guy, always loved chito but even more after this.

[@ayvzu]

Chito is always a good interview🔥

[@superhuman6368]

Like Chito is such a dope dude and very composed. Goodluck to both men

[@byrdfeathers3552]

Thank you Chito!!! I’m selling my house and buying one I can’t afford right now to prove I got that dawg in me!! 💪

[@trugrit7210]

Probably not a good idea. Chito can get big pay days. You probably have a set salary will only grow gradually with experience.

[@loadedfilmstokyo8380]

"I'm always expecting the worst" -- not the only mentality that works, but I think it's a good one for fighters.

[@markayala3754]

2 amazing evolving fighters Champion attitudes between both men Respect

[@AhPhoey]

Win this, Chito.

[@zayylv]

He will never beat anyone in the Top 5 he’s trash 🚮

[@Ciauskhaleesi]

The only shot he has is if O'Malley gets hurt again .. not likely ... chito dum ahh is going night night

[@Cheaterwillatkicktv]

Idk about all that, sean is definitely gonna win imo but chito is a cardio machine and if sean looks like he did in the yan fight 5 rounds is a strech for him. ​@Ciauskhaleesi

[@josiffexplosiff1]

@@zayylv it’s bantam weight not lightweight buddy you can give him a little more credit than that. I mean I don’t think he’s going to beat Sean but only a casual would call him Trash but then again you’re hearing a KZbin comment section so chances are you’re a casual who’s only been watching the sport for about five years tops

[@adammclovin595]

​@@zayylv you're trash

[@kikomonclova925]

I'm so stoked for Chito to get this opportunity! The dude totally deserves it.

[@The40Glock1]

Cant wait for this fight 💯

[@migdalia419]

It would be so amazing to see Chito win the title for his family! Good luck Chito!

[@misubi]

Really hope he’s more active in this fight. He tends to lose decisions due to lack of activity.

[@Michorida]

He was very inactive yes

[@Rob-J-BJJ]

going to see you in miami , lets goo make ecuador proud

[@dangelofoster123]

Legendary interview.

[@codyviera92]

I am now a chito fan. Super genuine dude still with his high school sweetheart and is a family man first and I respect that.

[@TrillPerez-uy4ox]

Vamos con todo Chito!!! For all of our Latinos 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 🇸🇻🇪🇨🇨🇱🇨🇺🇬🇹🇳🇮🇲🇽🇵🇦🇵🇷🇻🇪🇺🇾🇦🇷🇭🇳🇨🇴🇵🇪

[@mugen11120]

😢🇭🇳🇵🇪🇨🇴

[@ericgarcia8289]

Vamos chito 🇪🇨 my family in Cuenca are rooting for you 💪🏽

[@zayylv]

You’re gunna be so dissapointed.

[@coldestbeer]

Cheeto will be cheeto dust

[@heckalydalii200]

​@@coldestbeer stop it chitos never been KOd and over the course of 5rds fragile sean osmelly is gonna break his hands/ ankles that rainbow twig

[@zayylv]

@@heckalydalii200 sure sean will just win 50-45 lol. Chito is 🚮

[@heckalydalii200]

@@zayylv sean injured himself in the first round in the first punch he threw at aljo. I'd be surprised if he still able to make it out the 3rd with all his injuries adding up. Last time he got injured against chito he dint even make it out lol

[@consciouslykonnected]

Excited for this fight!!!

[@johels21]

Let’s go Chito!!! El sábado eres el nuevo campeón del ecuador 🇪🇨

[@user-fx5cd4px3k]

no

[@johels21]

@@user-fx5cd4px3k we’ll see I like both guys but I’m from Ecuador so I must go with Chito!

[@davidbevis6005]

He's the man. Hope he wins

[@Dixon_Cider]

Chito just gonna stare at Suga for 25 mins tho 😭

[@drivebyquipper]

Don't count on it.

[@Dixon_Cider]

@@drivebyquipper ummmm excuse me sir, it’s what he does every fight so…

[@thewalruswasjason101]

Like last time

[@ihatebmxriding]

😂😂😂

[@cammaltby6218]

@@Dixon_Ciderbesides all of his submissions and knock outs right?

[@Zoltak1234]

Actually the tattoo convo was the most interesting part, you can see chito artistic personality, and it well reflected in his tattoo choices. I couldn't agree more with him - most UFC fighters have trashy tattoos with no thought behind them Chito & Mcregor tattoos are spot on though

[@Emilio-dd5yh]

You are inspiration to me Chito..,God bless you, huge respect from Italy

[@callmewhateva]

After that Sandhagen performance and frankly speaking Munoz as well, Chito should not have been anywhere near title shot. When it is time to perform, Chito fumbles the bag.

[@kimjong699]

Yeah he got super lucky against Cruz and Frankie was pretty much losing the whole fight then got that lucky Hail Mary. And with Rob font kinda was the same Rob set records in n chito but he was able to land the bigger shots

[@dtownkid1995]

Honest question with all due respect but what are you going to say if chito wins again?

[@Yeshuaspupil]

Fr I been saying this and its a joke this dude is one punch from wearing a belt he doesn't deserve.

[@GavinSwaank]

facts. Suga knocks him out early like end of 1st.

[@markdaniel2191]

O’Malley the one who wanted the fight so 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@brettwerner7128]

This man is humble as can be. Hope this fight is a good one. Chess match. Like both fighters. Just wanna see a good competitive battle

[@bent-over.]

KZbin not allowing you to read comments whilst adverts are playing is a joke 😢

[@XodarapEra]

Ones playing as I type this

[@OddJames]

@@XodarapEra maybe they are on the phone app and you are using your laptop or vice versa?

[@Jidds]

KZbin premium users 🗿

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

Yeah, get the Premium service buddy. It's very cheap. 👍

[@Jjw338]

And they make you pay $18.99 just to play videos while your phone is off 😂😂 ( which I don’t pay )

[@KonstantinZavizion]

Chito is a legend, much respect and love, hope you are champion next week!

[@chgofirefighter]

Such a humble dude... great solid advice to our youth too! Now that's what I call a heroe!!!

[@RogerERodriguez1k]

I love the volume difference between these videos and the ads 😑

[@mikeaurturo1412]

Commercials are an average 10% louder to get your attention. It’s a cold world

[@davida3113]

So tough having my 2 favorite fighters going for the belt. Going to be a banger no matter what

[@blakehardingyII]

Big fan of Chito and Sean! Either way it goes, I'll be happy!!

[@viponly5372]

been watching chito for a long time glad to see him come up so much, i rem the vlog in his old house

[@viponly5372]

@@Bannedfrom109gymsnotmyfault aww did someone get so bothered they had to click on someone’s profile 🥲 I don’t think you know how sad that is

[@viponly5372]

@@Bannedfrom109gymsnotmyfault aww did someone get so triggered they had to click on a profile and follow them 🥲 I don’t think you understand how sad that is

[@viponly5372]

@@Bannedfrom109gymsnotmyfault awhhh did someone get so triggered they had to click on a profile and follow them 🥲 I don’t think you understand how sad that is

[@sebastianaran3607]

vamo chitoooo! desde Argentina te aliento. Arriba Ecuador!!!!!

[@ronrondrewthat]

Love & respect this vato even more 🔥🫡 💯 Let’s Go Champ!!!

[@Ten_Piedad]

This guy is so chill U can’t hate him Go Chito 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@luismezaf8577]

Chito serás el campeón de Ecuador 🎉

[@Brunnet123]

Respekt to the guy a humble hard working man. 🤙🙏

[@richardmurray2053]

Always loved this guys realness and attitude, i like sean, but chito pullin this off would be MASSIVE

[@adam-ramos]

Chito, such a cool dude and family oriented. Let's Go Chito!

[@EdwinBellis]

Chito will show the world that he’s a champion and I believe it !

[@Michorida]

He got destroyed

[@gigioecu]

I’m from Ecuador and I like them both. Chito comes from a small town where you fight to live. And that, maybe the edge he needs to make up for anything he lacks. It sucks to see any of them lose. Suga doesn’t need to entertain, just fight. The less show, the more people will remember him. The surfer, and the kid from Montana are enough cool factors for me. I can see them both having some beers at a beach pad in Newport, killing time with some fish tacos - waiting for the set to roll in.

[@codybouscaren6492]

I've been a Suga fan for a while now, but Chito is a G. What a solid guy. Should be an amazing fight!

[@timetravel829]

I'm a Suga fan, but Chito is a cool dude he always has been. listening to this interview makes me like him more, and he taught me a lot about life in this interview. I hope O'Malley wins but if he looses I'm happy for Chito and as a fight fan you couldn't loose to better human being. thanks to both of you as a fight fan I'm excited for March 9th!

[@mathtutor66]

Exactly why I’m such a huge fan and rooting for my guy chito

[@LOST-GUNNER]

After watching this, I now need this man to win!

[@RA-te2ku]

Rooting for Chito in any fight he’s in 🤜

[@indimenzionproduction9340]

I will send my prays to you Chito 🙏💪 Champ!!

[@123mathtutorabc4]

good family man

[@dansmead4100]

I love the wisdom of this guy chito , you cant teach experience

[@luisparma3008]

This story will make you love Chito as a man. There is a fight club in Orange County and an mma fighter just turned pro from his RVCA gym was fighting his second fight he was 1-0. Keep in mind this was something like 2 months ago, chito going to fight for the belt coming up and could be doing anything in the world but he’s here at this lowkey fight club being the water boy for this 1-0 fighter. His boy got his legs chopped up and ending up losing and could barely walk. The man to walk him off the ring and into the back into the locker room was chito. In defeat carried his brother the whole way. After the card was done he stayed behind and showed love to each and every fan individually with no ego. Chito could be pulling up to a club G’d out in a Rolls Royce but instead was a water boy at a lowkey MMA fight for his gym member. That’s a real one right there💯💯💯💯

[@kappa138]

such an inspirational story. i really hope he wins this belt for Ecuador. we need more Latino champions 🔥.

[@liamweinberg4902]

Chito is a charismatic and interesting fighter. He always has insightful things to say.

[@wuderr]

I genuinely believe Chito gunna work sean next week man. I can’t wait this dude deserves it all bro!

[@postnutregret]

How did chito do against sandhagen

[@XarkoCZ]

@@postnutregret he lost so well he still got a title shot instead of him lmao

[@tylerm6267]

Chitos style plays directly into Seans. He will get pieced up on the outside and it should be a layup for Sean. Chito does have a punchers chance though

[@postnutregret]

@@tylerm6267 agreed man. If chito freezes up like he did in front of Cory it won’t be good Sean can find the KO’s

[@Michorida]

Chito got worked

[@loowisk1113]

Chito's mind is in the right place as a man, much much respect

[@caylanhuang106]

Listening to chito how can you not respect this the guy the struggles and things he said he's def a champ where he's coming from

[@justbleedprod.9414]

Something tells me Ecuador is getting their first UFC champion on March 9th!!

[@cchia6640]

LETS GO CHITO!!! Support from 🇨🇦

[@Jbdreambrother]

What a cool guy Chito is!

[@makansharifzade36]

chito always make me surpris .very good speek

[@paradisepointlandscapedesi4886]

💯💪🏽😎☝🏽 I will be there Saturday night,you got this👊🏽 And New

[@bestlist6578]

Chito is animal in every sense of the word its going to be a fast fight one way or the other

[@tayaria7280]

Chito is a stand up inspiration, as a family man, as a fighter.

[@mobdevice]

Win or lose, this man’s a legend

[@DylanGevers]

Everytime u hear this dude talk I like him more and more. This Guy would be more of a role model as champion than suga wil ever be

[@karentookthekids7254]

Chito is real af, I’d love to meet him at a future ufc event

[@kadosuniverse]

vamos chito..... Go Snatch that belt bro

[@kpmedia8977]

buena suerte Chito, puedes hacerlo otra vez!!!!