Tag: Brandon Vera

Exclusive: Brandon Vera Aims To Leave Tokyo A Two-Division Champion

At 41-years-old, ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon Vera is closer to the end of his professional career than the beginning. However, this weekend, the veteran athlete intends to show the world he is not about to hang up his gloves just yet when he attempts to capture Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang ONE Light Heavyweight […]

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At 41-years-old, ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon Vera is closer to the end of his professional career than the beginning. However, this weekend, the veteran athlete intends to show the world he is not about to hang up his gloves just yet when he attempts to capture Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship.

The pair will face off in the main event of ONE: Century part II, which takes place inside Tokyo’s Ry?goku Kokugikan. The bout between two of the promotion’s most popular athletes is expected to generate a viewing audience in the millions. Aung La, is perhaps Myanmar’s most well-known sporting figure, while American-born Filipino and Manila resident Vera also has a sizeable fanbase.

Vera has headlined previous ONE events, but none of them have been on the scale as ONE: Century. The size of the event has meant even more promotional work the aspiring two-division world champion.

“I understand that everything outside the fight itself is part of the business and part of being a champion, but I just try to keep myself as focused on the task at hand as possible. Especially this upcoming fight with Aung La,” Vera explained to LowKick MMA.

“He’s a very, very talented fighter and he’s a two-division champion for a reason, so I have to be very focused and very prepared when I step into the Circle with him. I’ve been excited for this fight since it was announced, so up until they shut the cage door, I’m just going to keep myself mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally prepared and focused for this fight to be able to get the job done.”

Since arriving at the Singapore-based promotion in 2015, Vera has notched up four-straight wins, none of which have gone past the opening round. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that Aung La will be the toughest test he has faced under the ONE banner. The 34-year-old, who trains in Florida at Hard Knocks 365, is riding a six-bout winning streak and currently holds both the ONE lightweight and middleweight titles.

It’s a matchup that seems to have gotten Vera’s competitive juices flowing.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever been this hungry, and this motivated for a fight. Aung La Is a man that I respect highly, I’ve said that multiple times, but this is a job. Getting that ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship is the goal, and that’s all that is on my mind right now. I approached this fight with that goal in mind, and I will do everything in my power to achieve that goal,” Vera said

He is also quick to calm any fears that fans have about his ability to make weight as it has been almost a decade since he last fought at lightweight.

“It [training camp] has gone really well. Obviously, I’ve had to deal with a bit more for this camp because of the weight cut, but I had a headstart in that, and I just stuck to the plan. I was disciplined in my diet, so there wasn’t much trouble in cutting down.”

Vera watched ONE’s inaugural Japanese show from the sidelines, but this Sunday, for the first time in his career, he will finally get to trade leather in MMA’s spiritual homeland.

“I’m very, very excited. I was able to see how massive the last show here was, and obviously, as a martial artist, it’s always going to be a goal to be able to compete in Japan, so yes, I’m excited to be competing here for the first time. I know it’s going to be a great night of fights, and I promise, I know Aung La will promise too, that we’ll be putting on a show,” Vera explained.

ONE Championship has developed a lot in the time that Vera has been with the company. Its fanbase and global reach have expanded, while its roster continues adding new talent to its ranks. These developments and changes and have not gone unnoticed by Vera, who has formed a strong bond with the promotion.

“I will always be proud to be a part of ONE Championship, and seeing the promotion as well as the sport grow so much from the time I came into how it is now, it’s just so rewarding to see how far it’s come. I know that I still have so much to offer.

“Being the ONE Heavyweight World Champion, I feel that there’s a bit of a responsibility on my part to help keep the company growing and improving and when the time comes that I step away from the sport, I will always look at ONE and I will always be happy to say that I helped in bringing ONE to where it is now.”

The prelims for ONE: CENTURY PART II start on B/R Live at 4:00 am (EST). The main card will start at 6:30 am EST on Sunday, 13 October.

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ONE: Century Predictions, Main Card Breakdown, How to Watch

The biggest event in ONE Championship history happens this weekend as ONE: Century features four world championship matches and three world grand prix finals between Saturday and Sunday…

The biggest event in ONE Championship history happens this weekend as ONE: Century features four world championship matches and three world grand prix finals between Saturday and Sunday…

ONE Championship’s TNT Debut to Feature Demetrious Johnson, Eddie Alvarez

High-profile signings of former UFC champions Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez, plans to host an event stateside in 2020 , and now the announcement that ONE Championship will broadcast its first televised event in the U…

High-profile signings of former UFC champions Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez, plans to host an event stateside in 2020 , and now the announcement that ONE Championship will broadcast its first televised event in the U…

ONE Heavyweight Champ Says Jon Jones ‘Not Martial Artist Material’

ONE heavyweight champ Brandon Vera would love the opportunity to rematch reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones someday. The two first fought back in 2010. Previously, Vera was the man many folks had as the “future” of the UFC. While the future of the promotion was on display in that fight, it was not […]

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ONE heavyweight champ Brandon Vera would love the opportunity to rematch reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones someday.

The two first fought back in 2010. Previously, Vera was the man many folks had as the “future” of the UFC. While the future of the promotion was on display in that fight, it was not Vera.

Jones smashed Vera, breaking his face in many places. Obviously, the two men have had different trajectories since that night. Both have been rewarding and full of ups and downs, although in different ways.

Both fighters have carved out very good MMA careers. Jones, as previously stated, holds the 205-pound pound strap while “The Truth” is ONE Championship’s reigning heavyweight champion.

If Vera ever got the chance to run it back with Jones, he’d jump at the chance:

“Man, you know, I would absolutely love to be able to have a match against Mr. Jones again,” Vera told BJPenn.com (via bloodyelbow).

As far as the prospects of the fight ever happening, well, according to Vera, it won’t happen in ONE Championship.

“With all of this of his problems and troubles, I don’t think he’ll ever be at ONE Championship,” Vera said of Jones. “He’s not our type of material. He’s not martial artist material.”

“But he would probably be the one, if I could get a do-over or a genie wish, that would be it.”

Vera has really found a home in ONE. He has managed to stay fairly healthy, competing in four fights in the last five years. He will look to become a double champ later this year as he will challenge ONE’s light heavyweight champion Aung La N Sang this October in Tokyo.

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ONE: Conquest Of Champions Results Recap: Brandon Vera Retains

Brandon Vera’s return to the cage was a brief but triumphant affair with the 41-year old stopping Italy’s Mauro Cerilli just after the one minute mark in the first round. The heavyweight title bout was the main event of ONE: Conquest of Champions held inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philipines. There were […]

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Brandon Vera’s return to the cage was a brief but triumphant affair with the 41-year old stopping Italy’s Mauro Cerilli just after the one minute mark in the first round. The heavyweight title bout was the main event of ONE: Conquest of Champions held inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philipines.

There were questions asked about Vera in the lead-up to this bout. The defending champion was coming off a two-year break from competition and in Cerilli was facing a younger, more active fighter.

However, within moments of the contest beginning, it was apparent that Vera and Cerilli were operating at different levels.

The Italian never looked comfortable sharing the cage with Vera and seemed intent on landing a knock out blow as soon as possible. In his haste, he ran head first into a beautifully timed left hook from Vera which dropped the challenger, ending the match instantly.

It was the fifth bout in Vera’s ONE Championship career, as well as his fifth first-round stoppage and his third- title defense. Vera’s win has paved the way for the ONE super-bout between him and Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang for the Light-heavyweight championship. The bout has been hinted at by both the athletes as well as ONE CEO and founder Chatri Sityodtong. The idea has been floated that the two will meet in 2019 on one of the Japanese cards.

Folayang Regains Lightweight title

The night’s co-main event was a title clash between the Philipines Eduard Folayang and Singapore’s Amir Khan for the vacant ONE lightweight title.

Folayang was looking for redemption, in front of his home crowd, after losing the strap last November to Martin Nguyen. Kahn’s record of having the most finishes and the most knockouts in ONE Championship created an extra layer of hype around a contest that was already highly anticipated.

The first round began with both men testing each other’s defenses with probing leg kicks. Khan, in particular, looking relaxed and fluid had some success hitting Folayang on the counter.

The first round came to a close with Khan having the better of the exchanges but with neither man in the ascendancy.

It would be interesting to know what was said to Folayang during the break between rounds because whatever it was, it did the trick. Folayang dominated the second round from the outset continually pushing forward and unleashing a barrage of impressive and fan friendly offensive maneuvers.

The Filipino roared on by the highly partisan local crowd delivered multiple spinning back elbows and fists while he had Khan trapped against the cage.

Three-quarters of the way through the round, Khan, hoping to stem the tide launched himself at Folayang with a flying knee, only to end up being caught and dumped on his back.

The 24-year-old managed to return to his feet, without taking too much damage but was rewarded with another spinning elbow for his troubles. As the round ended a shell-shocked Khan made his way back to his corner. To his credit, Khan was able to regroup in the third but after the punishment he suffered in the second, never looked like posing a threat to Folayang.

The 34-year-old continued hitting Khan throughout the remaining rounds with a succession of spinning back fists and heavy elbows.

A Unanimous Win

As the fifth drew to a close, the crowd sensing Folayang’s impending victory ratcheted up the volume. The hometown hero then put a stamp on his dominance with a pair of punishing sidekicks as well as flying kick to Khan’s midriff for good measure. There was little suspense, but plenty of excitement as the judge’s scorecards were read out. Folayang emerging the winner with a well-deserved unanimous decision victory.

Folayang’s win now means that Team Lakay hold four of the eight available men’s titles. It is a staggering achievement for the Baguio City crew.

The arrival of Eddie Alvarez and Demetrious “Mighty <ouse” Johnson will surely test their dominance in the lightweight and flyweight divisions, but those are challenges for another day.

Nakashima Wins In Debut

James Nakashima kept his undefeated record alive taking it to 10-0 after claiming a unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Russian Raimond Magomedaliev.

The former LFA welterweight champion showed no signs of nerves in his ONE debut, looking calm and composed throughout the course of the bout.

Magomedaliev started quickly but despite opening up a cut on Nakashima’s head in the first-round never looked to have the Amercian in any real danger.

Nakashima’s wrestling game began in impose itself in the second round, and by the third, he was entirely in control. The 30-year-old’s ground and pound slowly wearing down Magomedaliev in the second half of the contest.

It may yet be too early for talk of a shot at the title, but one or two more performances like this and Nakashima will be knocking at the door of whomever holds the belt.

ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS Full Results

Brandon Vera def. Mauro Cerilli via first-round knockout
Eduard Folayang def. Amir Khan via unanimous decision
Honorio Banario def. Rahul Raju via via unanimous decision
Saemapetch Fairtex def. Alaverdi Ramazanov via unanimous decision
James Nakashima def. Raimond Magomedaliev via unanimous decision
Hiroaki Suzuki def. Deividas Danyla via unanimous decision

Prelims:

Samy Sana def. Armen Petrosyan via unanimous decision
Alexandre Machado def. Hideki Sekine via second-round TKO
Han Zi Hao def. Azwan Che Wil via first-round TKO
Jeremy Miado def. Peng Xue Wen via second-round TKO
Akihiro Fujisawa def. Rockie Bactol via third-round TKO
Rudy Agustian def. Asraful Islam via unanimous decision

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ONE: Conquest Of Champions Preview, Breakdown & Analysis

ONE Championship makes its way to the Philippines this Friday with ONE: Conquest of Champions taking place in Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena. A pair of title bouts will headline the card. In the main event, Brandon Vera returns after a two-year layoff to defend his heavyweight crown against Italy’s Mauro Cerilli. The co-main event […]

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ONE Championship makes its way to the Philippines this Friday with ONE: Conquest of Champions taking place in Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena.

A pair of title bouts will headline the card.

In the main event, Brandon Vera returns after a two-year layoff to defend his heavyweight crown against Italy’s Mauro Cerilli. The co-main event will see Team Lakay’s Eduard Folayang locking horns with Singapore’s Amir Khan for the vacant lightweight strap.

The fact that two of the Philippines’ favorite sporting sons are set to compete should make for a lively atmosphere.

The Return Of Vera

Vera has been nothing if not dominant since his arrival at ONE Championship. His three bouts have all been first-round finishes, and it could be argued that “The Truth” has yet to be genuinely tested since moving to the Singapore-based promotion.

Thankfully, the ONE matchmakers have found an athlete who appears to be set on taking the fight to the reigning champion.

The 35-year-old Cerrilli comes into this clash on the back of a five-bout winning streak with four of those victories coming via way of stoppage. The Italian’s last outing was a 15-second demolition of Northern Ireland’s Karl Moore in defense of his Cage Warriors Heavyweight Championship.

“The Hammer” brings with him a reputation for being a heavy-hitting knock-out artist, but it would be doing his skills a disservice to classify him as a simple one-dimensional brawler.

An accomplished grappler, Cereilli holds a black belt in Judo and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is also, having fought four times in the last two years, match-fit.

Vera is now 41 years old, and while he has consistently competed at a higher level than Cereilli, it remains to be seen how the two-year break will impact Vera when the cage doors close.

Vera will go into the bout as the favorite, but in Cereilli he will face an opponent who can change the complexion of the contest with a single punch.

A Lightweight Champion Will Be Crowned

In September, former ONE lightweight champion Martin Nguyen was forced to relinquish the title following an injury.

Nguyen’s misfortune has presented Folayang, the man he defeated for the strap last November, with an unexpected but not unwelcome chance at redemption. Losing the belt was hard enough for the ONE veteran, but what made the loss harder to swallow was that it took place on his home soil.

Folayang bounced back from his defeat to Nguyen to record back-to-back decision victories over Russian grapplers Kharun Atlangeriev and Aziz Pahrudinov. A decorated wushu expert, Folayang is known for his impressive stand-up abilities but he is also a more-than-capable wrestler.

However, it his stand-up that is likely to be tested this week. Khan is one of the division’s top strikers and currently holds the promotion’s record for most finishes and knockouts.

A product of Evolve MMA, Khan spars daily with some of the world’s best Muay Thai fighters and will not be overwhelmed by the thought of standing and trading with Folayang. The 24-year-old comes into this bout following a comprehensive first-round victory over Folayang’s teammate, Honorio Banario.

Folayang has been something of a point’s machine since joining ONE Championship. He has competed 14 times but has just one stoppage win to his credit. The 35-year-old dominated his last two bouts but was unable to put either of his opponents away despite his clear striking advantage.

In Khan, he will be facing an athlete levels above his recent competition, one who is unlikely to become fatigued and who is capable of capitalizing on the slightest error he makes.

The Filipino will be the favorite heading into the bout, but it would be no surprise to see the ONE lightweight title winging its way to Singapore this weekend.

Nakashima makes his ONE Debut

Outside of the two title bouts, the most intriguing contest of the night will be the debut of former LFA welterweight champion James Nakashima.

The undefeated American will take on fellow newcomer Raimond Magomedaliev in a bout that is likely to set the winner on a path to a title shot.

Magomedaliev, who is also undefeated, should provide a stern test for Nakashima. The Russian has previously fought in Fight Nights Global and comes from a sambo and wrestling background.

ONE: Conquest of Champions Full Lineup

Main Card: 

Brandon Vera vs Mauro Cerilli

Eduard Folayang vs Amir Khan

Honorio Banario vs Rahul Raju

Saemapetch Fairtex vs Alaverdi Ramazanov

Raimond Magomedaliev vs James Nakashima

Prelims:

Deividas Danyla vs Hiroaki Suzuki

Samy Sana vs Armen Petrosyan

Alexandre Machado vs Hideki Sekine

Azwan Che Wil vs Han Zi Hao

Jeremy Miado vs Peng Xue Wen

Rockie Bactol vs Akihiro Fujisawa

Rudy Agustian vs Asraful Islam

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