After spending almost a decade proudly representing the country in the UFC, Mixed Martial Arts star Brandon Vera will finally get a chance for a homecoming as he competes in the Philippines this year.
The Filipino-American fighter has signed with Asian promotion ONE Fighting Championship last July, and during a press conference held at SM Aura in Taguig, it was announced that his debut will happen on December 5 at the SM MOA Arena.
No opponent was announced just yet, but ‘the Truth’ was more than excited to be able to return to his roots and fight in Manila for the first time.
“My family is from Quezon Province so I’ve always dreamt of fighting here,” Vera told the assembled local media. “The fans in the Philippines have been behind me my entire career and I want to repay their faith by giving them an exciting performance and bringing my best into the ONE FC cage for a victorious debut this December.”
During his MMA career, Vera has compiled a 12-7 record with 1 no contest, and has had memorable bouts against former UFC champions Frank Mir, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, and Randy Couture.
After 9 bouts at 205 lbs, the Alliance MMA founder returned to the heavyweight division on his last fight, where he succumbed to Ben Rothwell on the third round. Although his opponent failed his post-fight drug test for elevated testosterone levels, Vera was still released from the UFC as it marked his 4th loss in 6 contests.
Vera could’ve easily joined other top promotions in the US, but with ONE FC being the only one offering a chance to return to his roots, the switch made perfect sense at this point of his career.
On December 5, the 36-year-old mixed martial artist will once again look to get back to his winning ways and regain past glory. For the first time in Vera’s 12-year career though, he will be doing it in front of a nation cheering him on.
Photos by Richard Esguerra
