Brandon Vera defends his heavyweight belt for the 1st time
MMA Update – Brandon Vera began his career competing in the U.S., but he has deep roots in the Philippines. The reigning ONE heavyweight champion speaks fluent Tagalog and people there have really taken him to their hearts.
He is in the process of making the Philippines his permanent home and Vera will be making the first defense of his title at ONE: Age of Domination in Manila on Friday.
It’s his third time fighting at the MOA Arena. The 39-year-old says he is feeling the weight of expectation.
“It’s honestly like fighting in front of your family, but your family is the entire country. It’s a double-edge sword. It’s a blessing and a curse (because) I cannot let them down, but it pushes me and drives me. It keeps me motivated, it keeps me hungry, and it keeps me wanting more.”
Having lived in the U.S. his entire life, Vera made the decision to relocate to the Philippines on a full-time basis and has had his hands full with commitments outside of the cage.
“I’ve been so busy in the Philippines since we’ve moved that I don’t think it’s even hit us that we’ve moved yet. Doing stuff for movies, stuff for the Philippines, stuff for my citizenship; it doesn’t feel like I’ve moved yet.”
On Friday night, he is going up against undefeated Japanese heavyweight Hedeki Sekine. It’s a challenge unlike any Vera has faces in his career to date, but the UFC veteran says he is ready for it.
“I’ve seen him. He’s a giant monster. He has a lot of power. For him to be so strong he’s going to have to be slower than me. So in my game plan, I need to stay fast and stay quick and stay out of his range for his power.”
Vera spent much of his UFC career competing in the light heavyweight division. But on Friday night, he’s going up against an opponent who has frequently fought at super heavyweight and open weight. The 39-year-old is expected to be the lighter of the two men on fight night, but feels this could be a factor that plays in his favor.
Category: Mixed Martial Arts
