Brandon Vera is back and has stated that this time when he steps into the Octagon, things will be different.
Roll your eyes if you’ve heard that one before.
It wasn’t that long ago that Vera was cut from the UFC following a brutal loss to Thiago Silva. It seemed like that had been Vera’s last chance and that he had just come up short.
Then it was found out that Thiago Silva had taken steroids before the fight and had subsequently failed the drug test.
The fight was declared a no contest, Silva was fined and suspended and Vera was given another fight by the UFC brass.
And now he is back and claiming he is the Brandon Vera of old. And just like the “old” Brandon Vera, he needs something to use as a reason for why he lost so many fights.
So what did he blame his losing streak on this time?
The home invasion that happened to him three years ago in which he was held at gunpoint while staying in Lloyd Irvin’s house in Maryland. It almost seems like a convenient excuse for him to shrug off responsibility for his losses.
Except this time he really does seem different.
Instead of proudly saying that he will be champ, he stated that he knew he was supposed to win this fight.
He didn’t mention titles or win streaks.
He doesn’t talk about needing to keep the fight standing or working on his ground game.
He just talked about needing to finally feel safe after being held at gunpoint.
About how he finally felt like he could move on after a suspect was arrested.
About how his son had just barely moved on.
It’s a far cry from the Brandon Vera fans have been forced to listen to for so long.
It is refreshing and it feels honest. Vera finally seems to be at peace, and hopefully, win or lose, he’ll be able to keep it.
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