Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is determined to turn his fortunes around in the octagon as he prepares for a pivotal matchup against David Martinez in the co-main event of UFC Mexico this Saturday. Vera, a one-time UFC bantamweight title challenger, comes into this fight on a three-fight losing streak, the longest of his career, following a controversial decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Vancouver in October. Vera believes that he showcased greater performance, especially in the first round, despite the judges’ verdict.
Recognizing the need to start strong, Vera has expressed his intention to be aggressive right from the outset. He candidly shared his thoughts on adopting a more assertive fighting style, stating, “It’s so easy to sit back, but it would have helped me more if I were a boxer… I just need to find the mental state to say, ‘F*ck it, just go.’” Vera is aware of his strengths—his power, reflexes, and instincts—and aims to let these attributes shine during the fight.
Previously, the 33-year-old was vying for the bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley, only to face disappointment with a decision loss, which was followed by another decision defeat against former champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Vera last found victory at UFC 292 in August 2023, defeating Pedro Munhoz. Despite the setbacks, he remains optimistic about his abilities and aims to reignite his career against Martinez.
The fight with Martinez comes on relatively short notice for Vera, but he has been proactive in his training preparation. After receiving the fight offer, he quickly organized a training session upon his return home from Italy, where he felt confident about his fitness level. “I was like, ‘Oh shit, I’m not out of shape,’” he recalled, emphasizing that he intends to seize this opportunity to make a statement in the bantamweight division.
Martinez, a rising contender, will be looking to further his momentum after a knockout win in his debut and a significant victory over Rob Font in the Noche UFC event in September. Vera understands the stakes involved: a win would not only enhance his own career trajectory but also serve as a reminder to the division that he is still a formidable competitor.
As the bantamweight division continues to evolve, with champions like Petr Yan emerging, Vera’s ambition to reclaim a top position remains strong. “It means almost like taking over the wheel and keep moving forward,” he said. Vera recognizes that the UFC has supported him with high-profile opportunities, and he feels a responsibility to capitalize on them. “Just keep pushing,” he advised, underlining his commitment to asserting himself in the octagon once again.
With much at stake this Saturday, fans can look forward to an intense battle that could reshape Vera’s path in the UFC.