Brandon Vera pumped for heavyweight title fight, but opponent says Fil-Am is past his prime

Filipino-American mixed martial arts contender Brandon Vera can't wait to get back inside the cage and fight in front of his Filipino fans once again on December 11 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Vera (13-7), who last saw action in December last year, will duke it out against Chi Lewis Parry of England for the inaugural ONE Championship heavyweight title.

"Coming back to fight in the Philippines for the first time last year was a dream come true for me. The home crowd was amazing and I love nothing more than to battle in front of my kababayans,” said Vera.

“December 11 is a special and historic date for me. Not only will I be back at home fighting in the biggest stadium in the Philippines, but I will also be fighting for the belt that I’ve been focused on for so long."

The unbeaten prospect Parry (6-0), for his part, says he's equally motivated to fight Vera and prove that the latter is a thing of the past.

“I have full respect for what my opponent has done for the sport of MMA, but let’s face it, his time is past. When I knock him out on 11 December to take the belt, you’ll see what I mean,” said Parry. - RAF, GMA News