UFC Veteran Brandon Vera Signs For Asian Promotion ONE FC
Former UFC light-heavyweight and heavyweight Brandon Vera will look to continue his quest in the world of pro MMA, after being cast away from the organization that he competed in for nine years. The Truth’ won his first four UFC bouts with four straight finishes, including a TKO win over former champion Frank Mir.
Aside from a two fight spree in 2009, Vera has never really fulfilled his potential. It could be argued that his latest loss against Ben Rothwell should be overturned, as was his TKO against Thiago Silva, as both men pissed hot in post fight tests. High profile knockout losses to Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Jon Jones, and the aforementioned ‘Big’ Ben probably were what sealed the deal for UFC brass.
Back to the subject at hand, and One FC have confirmed that ‘The Truth’ will fight under their banner in the heavyweight division:
NEWS ALERT: MMA Superstar Brandon Vera has officially signed with ONE FC, Asia’s largest MMA organization. @Verafied @victoronefc
— ONE FC (@ONEFCMMA) July 13, 2014
With the best competition in the Asian organization’s heavyweight class being Tony Bonello, James McSweeney and Chris Lokteff, Vera may be able to make an impact. Former UFC castaways Jon Fitch, Melvin Guillard, Rousimar Palhares and Josh Burkman have all made good names for themselves elsewhere, so will ‘The Truth’ have as much good fortune?
Elevated testosterone or not, Rothwell smashed through Vera like it was nothing. ‘The Truth’ looked sloppy and gun shy in the August 2013 bout, but perhaps the year off will have helped him gather stock. I’ll keep you updated as news of Vera’s debut opponent emerges.
