Brandon Vera after win over Cerilli: ‘I can still do it’

MANILA - Reigning ONE heavyweight champion Brandon Vera has no doubt that he's still capable of competing inside the cage following his first-round knockout victory over Mauro Cerilli in the main event of "ONE: Conquest of Champions" Friday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

The 41-year-old Vera took a two-year layoff prior to his second successful defense of the heavyweight title. He showed no signs of ring rust inside the cage, and confidently stated that he still has it despite his age.

Brandon Vera's heartfelt message for the Manila crowd right after his KNOCKOUT comeback! @Verafied #WeAreONE #ConquestOfChampions #Manila #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/z9fSIUJlMy

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) November 23, 2018

"Two years was a long time. I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long, but it looks like I can still do it. I’ve been watching Mauro’s tapes every night. Even as I sleep, I watch him train. I watch him fight," said Vera.

"I watch everything he does. I know he swings hard. He did punch me in the mouth and it hurt, and then when he fell down, I was pretty surprised. So I’m glad I got that left hook in and dropped him with it."

With Eduard Folayang winning the vacant ONE lightweight title in the co-main event, the Philippines now has five world champions in Asia's biggest mixed martial arts promotion. An ecstatic Vera called out for further support after his fight, urging his fellow Filipinos to collect the belts in other weight classes.

"In the world of martial arts, the Philippines owns five world titles. We can do this. Continue your support. Let’s get all the belts," said Vera. — DVM, GMA News