Advertisement

Brandon Vera to headline Manila ONE FC card in December

Brandon Vera to headline Manila ONE FC card in December

At long last, Brandon Vera, the most popular Filipino mixed martial artist, will get a chance to showcase his skill in Manila this coming December as ONE FC returns to the Philippines.

In a press conference held at the NBA Café Manila, Vera came alongside MMA legend Rich Franklin to announce the return of the Asian promotion to Manila.

After breaking out of the MMA scene in 2006, Vera has struggled to put wins together. In the past two years, Vera has only fought twice, once in 2011 and once in 2012. Both were losses to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Ben Rothwell in the UFC.

Holding a record with 12 wins, seven losses, and one no-contest, Vera says he found renewed energy by jumping ship to ONE FC.

“I just want to say thank you to all of you for coming out and ONE FC, thank you for the opportunity,” Vera said. “Since day 1, I’ve always dreamed of fighting in Manila. I have not been able to do that in any other organization. I’m blessed that I’ll be able to showcase my talent. I’m humbled by your guys and thankful.”

“It took me a while to get here but I’m here.”

ONE FC did not announce whom Vera would face in his ONE FC debut but they did say that he will fight in the heavyweight division.

“I’ll be fighting at 265 pounds,” said Vera who fought at light heavyweight for most of his career. “I’m tired of cutting weight because I like rice too much.”

The Truth shared that he received calls from other MMA organizations but he chose the ONE FC for one reason only.

“When I got the call from ONE FC, I asked where I’ll fight and when they said Manila I said yes, please and thank you all at the same time,” Vera said.

Other than fighting in front of what should be a packed house at the Mall of Asia Arena, Vera is also excited to fight under a new set of rules.

“I’ve been waiting to use global rules of ONE FC. I’ve been fighting for the longest time under the unified MMA rules,” Vera said. “I’m really excited to kick someone in the head while they’re on the ground,” the fighter added.

“It’s like Christmas everyday for me. It’s like waking up and having new toys everyday.”