Marlon Vera

Marlon Vera: biography

Marlon Vera is a professional mixed martial artist from Ecuador who competes in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Childhood and youth

Marlon Vera was born on December 2, 1992, in Chone, Ecuador. Growing up, Vera was interested in martial arts, and he started training in Muay Thai when he was just 14 years old. He also trained in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he quickly developed a passion for mixed martial arts.

As a young adult, Vera faced several challenges in his personal life. He became a father at a young age, and he struggled to make ends meet while pursuing his dreams of becoming a professional fighter. However, he remained determined and focused, and he continued to train and compete in MMA.

In 2011, Vera moved to the United States to pursue better training opportunities and to further his MMA career. He settled in California and trained at several gyms, including Alliance MMA and Team Oyama. He also worked odd jobs to support himself while he trained.

Despite facing many obstacles along the way, Vera never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful MMA fighter. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was signed by the UFC in 2014. Since then, he has become a fan favorite and a rising star in the bantamweight division.

Mixed martial arts career

Marlon Vera's mixed martial arts career began in 2012 when he made his professional debut in Ecuador. He quickly made a name for himself in the regional MMA scene, winning his first six fights, including five by submission. In 2014, he signed with the UFC and made his debut against fellow newcomer Marco Beltran.

Vera's UFC career got off to a rocky start, as he lost his first two fights in the promotion. However, he bounced back with a submission victory over Roman Salazar in 2015. Vera then faced a tough opponent in Davey Grant in 2016 and earned a unanimous decision victory, which was his first win by decision in his professional career.

In 2017, Vera faced one of his toughest opponents to date when he fought Brad Pickett in Pickett's retirement fight. Vera put on a dominant performance, submitting Pickett in the third round and earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

Vera continued to build momentum in the UFC, winning three of his next four fights. However, he suffered a setback in 2019 when he lost a controversial split decision to Song Yadong. Vera rebounded from the loss with back-to-back wins over Nohelin Hernandez and Andre Ewell.

In 2020, Vera faced perhaps his most high-profile opponent to date when he fought former bantamweight champion Jose Aldo. Despite being the underdog, Vera put on an impressive performance and nearly finished Aldo in the third round with a guillotine choke. Although he ultimately lost the fight by unanimous decision, Vera earned the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike.

Later in 2020, Vera faced rising star Sean O'Malley. Vera was a significant underdog in the fight, but he dominated O'Malley with leg kicks and eventually finished him in the first round with strikes, earning a Performance of the Night bonus in the process.

In 2021, Vera faced another tough test in the form of Davey Grant, who he had previously defeated in 2016. The rematch was a back-and-forth battle, but Vera ultimately emerged victorious with a unanimous decision win.

Throughout his UFC career, Vera has earned a reputation as an exciting fighter who is always looking to finish his opponents. He has won several post-fight bonuses, including Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards. He is known for his well-rounded skill set, including his striking, grappling, and submission abilities. Vera is also a fan favorite due to his humble personality and his never-give-up attitude.

As of March 2023, Vera has a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no contest. He is currently ranked in the top 15 of the UFC's bantamweight division and is considered one of the division's rising stars.

Personal life

Vera is married to his wife María Paulina Escobar. They have two daughters together. He has spoken about how being a father has changed his perspective and motivated him to work harder to provide for his family. Vera has credited his daughter with giving him the strength to persevere through difficult times.

In addition to his MMA career and family life, Vera is known for his philanthropy and community work. He has supported various charitable organizations, including the Chone Foundation, which helps provide resources and support to underprivileged families in his hometown. Vera has also spoken about the importance of giving back and using his platform to help those in need.

Vera is active on social media, where he shares updates about his training, fights, and personal life with his fans. He has a large following on Instagram and Twitter and has used his platform to connect with his fans and supporters. Vera is also known for his positive attitude and has been praised by his peers for his sportsmanship and respect for his opponents.

Records

Here are some of Marlon Vera's notable records in his mixed martial arts career:

• First fighter from Ecuador to sign with the UFC
• First fighter from Ecuador to win a fight in the UFC
• Holds the record for most submission wins in the UFC bantamweight division (9)
• Holds the record for most leg kicks landed in a UFC bantamweight fight (27 vs. Sean O'Malley at UFC 252)
• Holds the record for most significant strikes landed in a UFC bantamweight fight (68 vs. Andre Ewell at UFC 239)
• Has earned five post-fight bonuses in the UFC, including two Performance of the Night awards and three Fight of the Night awards.