Marlon Vera delivered a highlight moment to fans all around the globe with his front kick KO of Frankie Edgar at UFC 268 this past weekend. After having to battle hard through the first two rounds Vera was able to stop Edgar with the perfectly executed front kick in the final frame.
Vera secured the 12th and arguably biggest win of his UFC career after putting. ‘Chito’ couldn’t help being delighted with his handy work while speaking to the media immediately after his fight.
“An incredible victory in Madison Square Garden with many Ecuadorians in the arena, this is the best thing that’s ever happened in my career up to this point.”
Vera had to be patient during the fight as Edgar was able to land some takedowns on him during the first two rounds. The Ecuadorian expected this style of fight from the former lightweight champion and was aware of Edgar’s wrestling capabilities heading into the fight.
“We talked about a lot going down the middle and don’t get too wild with him because he’s a wrestler, if you wind too much, you’re going to get taken down. And even then, I defended most of the takedowns, but he still took me down. He wrestled his whole life. So, we respected that, we stayed clean and threw combos with those kicks to try to put him out.”
What’s next for Marlon Vera?
Back-to-back wins for Vera after picking up a unanimous decision victory over Davey Grant back in June. Many fans with be hoping to see a rematch up with fellow bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley however, with O’Malley scheduled to fight next month we may have to wait sometime before that can happen. Vera does have an opponent in mind for a potential rematch but welcomes any challenge for his next fight.
“I would love to fight Aldo again just because he’s in the top five,” Vera said. “Dominick Cruz is fighting Pedro Munhoz, but I think I’m already over them in the rankings after this win, so whatever comes I’ll be ready.” (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)
Who would you want to see Marlon Vera fight next?