Brandon Vera Biography Introduction:
After Brandon Vera defeated Fabiano Scherner in his UFC debut, he called out then light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. Calling out the UFC's biggest star after only one fight with the organization certainly caused a stir. What's more, Vera also told the crowd that he was planning on someday winning both the UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight belts.Not exactly the words of a guy lacking confidence in his fighting ability. And there's a reason for this: Brandon Vera can flat out fight.
Date of Birth:
Brandon Vera was born on October 10, 1977 in Norfolk, Virginia.Training Camp and Fighting Organization:
Vera trains out of Team Lloyd Irvin/ Alliance MMA. He fights for the UFC.Early Years and Martial Arts Training:
Vera is the son of Ernesto and Amelia. They sometimes say that competition starts with siblings, and if they're correct then that's where Vera's competitive edge likely came from, growing up with seven boys and three girls in Norfolk, Virginia. From a martial arts perspective, people often incorrectly assume that Vera's initial background was in striking; rather, it was in wrestling, as he flourished as a wrestler at Lake Taylor High School and was offered a four year athletic scholarship to Old Dominion as a result. Though Vera accepted the offer, he dropped out after a year and half and entered the Air Force.The Road to MMA:
Vera joined the Air Force's wrestling team. Unfortunately, while training with them he tore ligaments in his right elbow that caused nerve damage. Unable to use his right arm, he was released from the Force on a medical discharge. However, he was able to eventually rehabilitate his arm and entered a Grapplers Quest submission wrestling tournament as a result, where his talent was recognized by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ace Lloyd Irvin. This led to him joining Irvin's MMA school. Beyond that, Vera also trained at Linxx Academy and Hybrid Academy along the way in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.Early MMA Years:
Vera made his MMA debut against Adam Rivera on July 6, 2002, winning by first round TKO. In fact, he won his first eight MMA fights, including a dominant victory over UFC star Frank Mir, before losing his first match to Tim Sylvia by way of decision. After a second consecutive loss in the heavyweight division to Fabricio Werdum by way of TKO, Vera dropped to the light heavyweight division, something that fans and media had been calling for since his loss to the much bigger Sylvia.Fighting Style:
To say it succinctly, Vera is well-rounded. He possesses excellent Muay Thai skills, including some highly effective low kicks from a distance as well as good hands. What's more, his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is strong, and he can fight from both the top position and the guard. In fact, perhaps the thing he's known least for in MMA is his wrestling and ground control, which is where it all started for him. In the end, when Vera is at his best he is an aggressive fighter who doesn't show much in the line of weaknesses.Personal Life:
Vera is married to Kerry Vera, a kickboxer that appeared on the Oxygen Network's second season of Fight Girls.Some of Vera's Most Impressive Victories:
- Brandon Vera defeats Krzysztof Soszynski by unanimous decision at UFC 102: Vera had lost three of his last five fights coming into this one and needed a second consecutive light heavyweight victory to stay relevant. Defeating Soszynski, a former TUF participant, reminded the masses that he was still around.
- Brandon Vera defeats Frank Mir by TKO at UFC 65: Vera absolutely destroyed Mir in this one after only 1:09 had gone by in the first round.
- Brandon Vera defeats Fabiano Scherner at Fight Night 2: Vera looked great on his feet in his UFC debut here, eventually winning after connecting with some serious knees.
