Brandon Vera was in Manila as part of the promotion for the ONE Championship Valor of Champions event. He took time to answer questions from members of the media before the weigh-ins, Thursday night at City of Dreams.
When asked about what people learn from MMA, Vera had a simple yet meaningful answer. Trying to put away all the stereotypes about violence and fighting, Vera started by sharing how kids enrolled in MMA were transformed, and how it builds a strong, positive attitude among them.
“I’ve seen kids, children come to my gym. Five and six year-olds who won’t look you in the eye, scared to say hello, don’t have any friends, and get bullied in schools,” Vera recalled.
“Those same kids now, seven to nine year-olds, went up to everybody and say hello, has plenty of friends, doesn’t get bullied anymore, and is now helping other kids to not get bullied.”
For the 37-year-old Vera (13-7-1), having a first-hand look at what MMA transcends is the most fulfilling feeling of all.
“To me, that is the most rewarding thing about this sport. They teach the kids respect and confidence. I’d say 98 percent of the people who practice the sport of MMA, they learn respect and the value of somebody’s word. They say thank you, it means something,” he added.
“Respect and honor is I think what MMA teaches everyone.”
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