Brandon Vera, UFC part ways after eight-year run

After running over Frank Mir in just 1:09 at UFC 65, an undefeated Brandon Vera claimed he was going to become the first fighter in UFC history to win both the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles.

Neither prophecy came true.

Wednesday, FOXSports.com broke the news that the UFC and the San Diego-based Vera have parted ways. In more than eight years with the company, Vera (12-7, 1 no-contest) compiled a record of 8-7 (1 NC).

Vera was 8-0 after defeating Mir, with all eight of his victories finishes. The fighter nicknamed “The Truth” was expected to face Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight title at UFC 68. But a prolonged contract dispute gave Randy Couture the title shot instead. By the time Vera returned, he was off his game, and dropped three of his next four bouts.

He dropped to light heavyweight with mixed results, losing in his biggest fights to the likes of Keith Jardine, Couture, and Jon Jones.

His most impressive effort may have come in defeat. Thrust into a headlining spot as an injury substitution at UFC on FOX 4 in Los Angeles in 2012, Vera, determined to prove to his detractors that he doesn’t fold under fire, engaged in a brutal four-round war with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua before finally losing via TKO.

Vera’s final Octagon appearance was at UFC 164, where he lost to Ben Rothwell in the third round. Rothwell later tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.

No word yet from Vera’s camp on the fighter’s next career move.

After running over Frank Mir in just 1:09 at UFC 65, an undefeated Brandon Vera claimed he was going to become the first fighter in UFC history to win both the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles.

Neither prophecy came true.

Wednesday, FOXSports.com broke the news that the UFC and the San Diego-based Vera have parted ways. In more than eight years with the company, Vera (12-7, 1 no-contest) compiled a record of 8-7 (1 NC).

Vera was 8-0 after defeating Mir, with all eight of his victories finishes. The fighter nicknamed “The Truth” was expected to face Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight title at UFC 68. But a prolonged contract dispute gave Randy Couture the title shot instead. By the time Vera returned, he was off his game, and dropped three of his next four bouts.

He dropped to light heavyweight with mixed results, losing in his biggest fights to the likes of Keith Jardine, Couture, and Jon Jones.

His most impressive effort may have come in defeat. Thrust into a headlining spot as an injury substitution at UFC on FOX 4 in Los Angeles in 2012, Vera, determined to prove to his detractors that he doesn’t fold under fire, engaged in a brutal four-round war with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua before finally losing via TKO.

Vera’s final Octagon appearance was at UFC 164, where he lost to Ben Rothwell in the third round. Rothwell later tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.

No word yet from Vera’s camp on the fighter’s next career move.