The Filipino-American Brandon Vera, placed his gloves on the canvas and officially drew the curtain on a legendary career that launched the heavyweight division in ONE Championship.
Brandon Vera Calls Time On Career
“You just witnessed ‘The Truth’s’ very last fight in MMA. I wish I could’ve gone out on a win. Broke my damn hand again!” the 45-year-old said.
“I love you all. Thank you for everything you’ve given me, MMA, ONE Championship. I’ll be around.”
In the grudge match that had been simmering for some time, the pair finally met at ONE 164 but it was Amir Aliakbari who had the last laugh.
The Iranian star made a statement by taking out former longtime ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon Vera in front of the Filipino-American icon’s adoring fans.
The early part of the fight took place on the feet, with Vera controlling distance and keeping the former Greco-Roman Wrestling Champion guessing with feints and stance switches.
Eventually, Aliakbari found his range and exploded, taking “The Truth” to the ground and landing vicious ground-and-pound until referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the action after 3:37 of round one.
Aliakbari has now won two straight fights and has placed himself within striking distance of a ONE Heavyweight World Title shot.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Vera needs no introduction to the global fan base. After making his name in North America, he returned to his Asian roots in ONE Championship and blasted his way through the heavyweight division.
Former ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera is one of the most well-rounded heavyweight mixed martial artists on the planet.
Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he was a collegiate wrestler on scholarship at Old Dominion University, but he left after two years to enlist in the United States Air Force. He even joined the military’s Greco-Roman wrestling team.
In 1999, after being medically discharged due to an arm injury, Vera studied the art of submission grappling.
Soon, he trained in mixed martial arts under some of the best coaches in the world and made a successful debut in July 2002, winning via first-round TKO.
“The Truth” then spent the next 12 years competing in North America’s most popular organizations, both in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions.
Vera made his ONE Championship debut in December 2014 at ONE: WARRIOR’S WAY, where he stopped Igor Subora in the first round.
A year later, he returned and knocked out Paul Cheng in a stunning 26 seconds to claim the inaugural ONE Heavyweight World Championship.
Now settled in Manila, he plans to develop the next generation of Filipino martial artists at his very own Alliance Training Center Philippines.
His first four bouts produced four first-round knockout wins — three of those in World Title contests.
Though he recently lost the crown to Arjan “Singh” Bhullar, Vera is still the most dominant force in the division’s history, and therefore, plenty of burgeoning stars are looking to make a name off his reputation.
Pre ONE Championship
Prior to joining ONE Championship Vera, had spells with UFC (8-7-1) and WEC (2-0).
Never one to run from a fight, during his stint in the UFC Vera stepped into the octagon with Hall of Famers and legends of the sport.
Names such as Jon Jones, Randy Couture, Fabrizio Werdum, Mauricio Rua and Frank Mir to name a few.
Brandon Vera will be remembered by his fans for his huge smile followed by his heavy hands, the former ONE Champion will go down as the greatest and a pioneer of the Heavyweight division.
Thank you Brandon Vera.
Image Credit ONE Championship
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