Q&A: Fil-Am fighter Brandon 'The Truth' Vera on first fight in front of Pinoy fans

 

Former UFC contender Brandon Vera will get a chance to showcase his talent in front of his beloved Filipino fans when he debuts in One FC on December 5 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

 

The 37-year-old Filipino-American is still seeking an elusive championship in the world of mixed martial arts. Having recently signed with One FC, Vera intends to chase his heavyweight title dream. Vera (12-7) sat down with GMA News Online to answer questions about his background as well as his upcoming fight.

 

GMA News Online: Tell me about your amateur background and how you started fighting.

 

Brandon Vera: I've been wrestling since I was in the sixth grade. So from wrestling, I decided I needed to do something else and started getting into Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-itsu.

 

GNO: What made you transition to MMA? What did you see in MMA?

 

Vera: MMA was the whole goal. There was no why MMA, that was the whole goal. From wrestling, to Muay Thai, to learning how to box to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it was all for MMA. I didn't want to do anything else.

 

GNO: You were once one of the hottest names in the UFC. You've been through a lot of tough fights, beaten good fighters. At one point, you were the Manny Pacquiao of MMA for many Filipinos. Was there any difference with how you were received in the country when you started taking defeats?

 

Vera: Nope. It's been the exact same, that's why I love my Filipino fans. Like no matter win, lose or draw, if you put it all in the line and you're giving it your all, they never lose faith in you man.

 

GNO: For the first time you'll be fighting in front of your Filipino fans. How does it feel and how excited are you?

 

Vera: I'm super excited for this man. Ever since I started fighting MMA I always wanted to fight here in the Philippines. And now it's becoming a reality. Not too many people can say that one of their life-long childhood dreams is actually coming true. I can. I'll be here fighting in front of my family, in front of everybody, that means something to me here in the Philippines. So it's gonna be a good time man. I'm super excited I can't wait for it to happen.

 

GNO: Where do you see yourself going into this new venture and how hard was it for you to leave MMA's premier league?

 

Vera: You know you're saying MMA's premier league but is it really the premier league just because they say so? Are they the biggest organization in the world? How many viewers do they have? That's the whole thing, you know? They are the premier league because they say they are. When I left that previous organization it was easy. One FC and I was talking, it was more about respect than anything else. So leaving was easy, coming to One FC was super, super easy.

 

GNO: Ultimately, what made you say yes to come over to One FC?

 

Vera: Respect. One word- respect. What One FC gave, the lack of that the other organization didn't give.

 

GNO: I remember you saying that you want to be a champion in two divisions (heavyweight and light heavyweight). Is that something that you would target in One FC?

 

Vera: No, not at all. I don't have any desire to cut weight at all. I like being a heavyweight, I like eating food. I don't ever want to see 205 lbs. again.

 

GNO: So it's gonna be heavyweight all the way.

 

Vera: Yes.

 

GNO: What do you think of the heavyweight division in One FC?

 

Vera: It's a great division with a talented pool. I'm looking forward to being challenged and fighting these guys. It's not an easy division by any means. It's definitely something I'm gonna have to take seriously and train super hard for to make it happen.

 

GNO: Are you more motivated and doing anything extra in training knowing that you have to show up for the fans?

 

Vera: I'm training with the same team. Anything extra? No... Except for the fact that I'm coming here early so I can get acclimated to the weather. Training has been going awesome, I'm sparring a lot more than I ever have before.

 

GNO: Last question, what's your goal in One FC?

 

Vera: My goal is to become the One FC heavyweight champion of the world. Become a great ambassador of the sport and keep that belt until I am ready to retire.

 

JM Siasat is a sports journalist based in Manila, Philippines. He can be reached at jmsiasat@ymail.com. Follow him on Twitter @jmsiasat