The career of Brandon “The Truth” Vera, who has been a mixed martial artist for the greater part of the last two decades, has had its ups and downs, highs and lows. Today, however, he is at the highest point of his career.
Just recently, the Filipino-American fighter successfully defended his ONE Heavyweight World Championship, a victory crafted in front of his beloved countrymen.
“Honestly, it’s like fighting in front of your family, but your family is the entire country,” said Vera, who obtained the ONE Championship’s inaugural heavyweight title last December by knocking out Taiwanese-Canadian Paul Cheng in just 26 seconds.
“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.”
Vera demolished previously unbeaten Japanese challenger Hideki Sekine via technical knockout in the main event of ONE: Age of Domination mixed martial arts event held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Vera forced the referee to stop the fight at 3:11 of the first round as he landed a solid left head kick to the challenger followed by a barrage of ground strikes.
He utilized his 75-inch reach to keep Sekine away from him. The reigning champion broke the challenger’s nose with a nasty knee to the face.
With this thrilling victory, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star improves his professional record to 15-7.
Vera began his career competing in the US as a UFC warrior, but he has deep roots in the Quezon province, in the Philippines. He speaks fluent Tagalog and Filipinos have really taken him to their hearts.
In fact, he is in the process of making the Philippines his permanent home.
Many have described Vera as “The Rocky Balboa” of MMA and have been listed among the best kick boxers in MMA today. Those striking skills in addition to his prowess in Greco-Roman Wrestling and championships in Southern Californian Jiu Jitsu tournaments, Vera could be a prototype for the modern fighter, excellent at all areas.
The 39-year-old veteran has been working hard, but admittedly age and the strain of being a full-time MMA fighter has started to take hold. Having fought only six times in the last five years, Vera still insisted he was game for any challenger.
After spending most of his career fighting stateside he was able to make his Philippines debut in 2014. Born to a Filipino father and Italian-American mom, he is now settled here in a land which he calls his own. He finally moved to the Philippines earlier this year and got a dual citizenship.
“The Philippines is as much my home as the United States is, and I am truly blessed to be able to compete here in front of all the Filipino fans,” Vera said.
For now, wearing the ONE Heavyweight World Championship belt around his waist is one of the greatest moments of Vera’s career.
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