article from ufc.com
08/15/2007
BRANDON VERA RETURNS TO THE OCTAGON™
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – The Truth hurts. Just ask those who have ever stepped into the Octagon™ with rising heavyweight star Brandon "The Truth" Vera, who, after a prolonged absence due to managerial issues, will finally return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) organization to put his perfect record on the line as he resumes his chase for the World Heavyweight Championship. Dana White, UFC President, who was pleased to make the announcement of Vera's return today, expects the Californian to be back in action as soon as October of this year.
“Brandon Vera is a young, well-rounded, exciting heavyweight who finishes fights in exciting fashion,” said Dana White, UFC President. “I think he brings a lot to the heavyweight mix, and I see him in a position to fight for the heavyweight title in 2008.”
Brandon “The Truth” Vera was undefeated and considered a top contender in the heavyweight division before a contract dispute with former management took him out of action. Now, almost a year later, the issue has been resolved, Vera is under new management and is anxious to start fighting again.
“I'm so excited to be back in the UFC, I have no words to describe the feeling,” said Vera.
“The Truth” comes back at a time when the UFC heavyweight division has never been more powerful, boasting a lineup of contenders that reads like a “Who’s Who” of the world’s most competitive fighters, with a three-time UFC heavyweight champion sitting at the top. In the last year, the UFC has brought on Mirko “Cro Cop,” Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, and Fabricio Werdum, and has seen the rise of Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga and Cheick Kongo. Also in the mix of could-be Vera foes are former UFC Heavyweight Champions Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Frank Mir.
“I realize the UFC heavyweight division is much stronger now, but I like having more challenges, and that just gives me more motivation to train,” said Vera. “I feel that when I’m on top of my game, nobody can beat me. I have a plan to become the heavyweight champion, so I’m going to stick to the plan that my management team NCFC and both of my coaches set and win the titles. I want to prove I'm the best for my family, my friends and most of all my fans.”
Fighting out of San Diego, Calif., Vera is 6’3” 223 lbs., and holds a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. He has won many submission competitions, but he has also become known for his striking ability. He has won
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all four of his fights in the UFC and scored all victories by either knockout or submission. His last three fights all ended in the first round.
Vera made his Octagon debut at UFC® Fight Night™ in October of 2005. He proved he meant business and finished the much heavier Fabiano Scherner in the second round by knee strikes. He went on to score back-to-back first round victories with a KO over Justin Eilers at UFC 57, and a submission over Assuerio Silva (guillotine choke) at UFC 60. At UFC 65 last November Vera took on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir and defeated him by TKO at 1:09 in the first round.
Vera stands undefeated in the UFC and holds an overall mixed martial arts record of 8-0. He intends to maintain that winning streak all the way to the heavyweight championship.
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