Marlon “Chito” Vera, the Ecuadorian UFC star, is back in Guayaquil and is aiming to return to the top five of the UFC bantamweight division. After a busy career year that included fighting for the title, Vera now focuses on his training and plans his return to the top ranks of the sport.
Vera, who faced Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight championship in 2024, has yet to schedule his next fight, but is working tirelessly behind the scenes.
“I don’t have any fights planned for the rest of this year.”
Vera shared after arriving at José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport.
“My goal is to focus on my preparation and get back into the top five in the division. I want to continue to make my country proud.”
Chito’s Global Influence: From the Octagon to the Catwalk
In addition to her MMA career, Vera made a splash in a completely different arena: fashion. The September 6, 2024the UFC star surprised fans by walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. Vera, known for his fierce personality in the octagon, traded in his fight gear for high fashion as he modeled for renowned Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria. With pieces from Chavarria’s Spring/Summer 2025 “America” collection, Vera proved to the world that he can shine on the runway as well as inside the cage.
This appearance marked a significant moment in Vera’s career, showcasing his versatility and growing status as a global sports icon. While his fight against Deiveson Figueiredo may have resulted in a decision loss, Vera’s presence at one of the world’s most important fashion events demonstrates his ability to transcend MMA and enter the mainstream.
As Vera continues to balance her fight career with new ventures, her foray into fashion speaks to the growing influence of UFC athletes beyond combat sports. Vera, now a familiar face in both sports and entertainment, has the charisma and the following to make an impact on a global level, something few MMA fighters have been able to achieve.
Inspiration From A Fellow Ecuadorian Fighter
While in Ecuador, Vera also took the time to praise another rising star from his country: Michael Morales. Morales, like Vera, has been making waves in the UFC and Vera sees a bright future for his compatriot.
“He’s growing impressively,” Vera said of Morales. “He’s fighting very well and I’m sure he’ll go far.”
Vera’s return to Ecuador is more than a time for reflection and rest: it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and showcase the beauty of his homeland to fellow fighters. Accompanying him on this trip is former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, whom Vera plans to show around Ecuador.
A Fighter’s Journey: From Chone to UFC
Marlon Vera’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. Born on December 2, 1992 in Chone, Ecuador, Vera grew up in a middle-class family. His early years were marked by rebellion and street fighting, but his move to Guayaquil at age 16 changed his course. There, Vera discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art that would lay the foundation for his career in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Vera’s rise through the MMA ranks began in 2011 when he started fighting as an amateur. In 2012, he made his professional debut and quickly amassed an impressive 8-1-1 record in various Latin American promotions. His breakthrough came in 2014 when he competed in “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America,” fighting under the tutelage of former heavyweight champion Fabrício Werdum.
See highlights of Marlon “Chito” Vera’s early career Here
Despite an unfortunate exit from the program due to a skin infection, Vera made a strong impression and soon found his way to UFC. His official UFC debut came later that year, though it ended in a loss to Marco Beltran. But Vera’s resilience shone through. In his next fight, he earned a submission victory over Roman Salazar and earned a “Performance Of The Night” bonus, which marked the beginning of his rise.
Vera’s Fights and Highlights
Chito Vera’s UFC career has been filled with many exciting moments, hard-fought victories and valuable lessons from tough losses. He has a professional MMA record of 34 fights with 23 wins, 10 losses and one draw. His impressive tally includes 8 knockouts and 10 submission victories, demonstrating his complete skill set.
These Are Some Of The Key Moments In Vera’s Fighting Journey:
August 15, 2020: In a highly anticipated fight at UFC 252, Vera took on rising star Sean O’Malley, earning a first round technical knockout victory. Vera’s calf kick caused significant damage to O’Malley, prompting a stoppage via ground and pound. This victory cemented Vera’s status as a top contender and earned him widespread recognition.
Mira Vera vs O’Malley Here
August 13, 2022: Vera scored one of his most memorable wins with a head kick knockout against former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz at UFC on ESPN 41. The victory came in the fourth round and earned him another “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Watch Cruz Vs Vera Here
March 25, 2023: Vera faced Cory Sandhagen in a close fight at UFC on ESPN 43. Although the fight ended in a split decision loss, it was a testament to Vera’s resilience and determination. Despite the loss, one judge rated the fight in her favor, noting how competitive it was.
Watch Cruz Vs Vera Here
August 19, 2023: Vera bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, proving he still belongs among the elite fighters in the bantamweight division.
Watch highlights of Vera Vs Munhoz Here
March 9, 2024: The biggest break of Vera’s career came when she fought Sean O’Malley for the second time, this time for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 299. Despite a hard-fought effort, Vera lost the rematch by unanimous decision. However, he continued to show his toughness and fighting spirit.
Watch Vera vs O’Malley 2 Here
August 3, 2024: Vera’s most recent fight took place at UFC on ABC 7 against Deiveson Figueiredo. Vera lost by unanimous decision, marking the first time he was knocked down in his UFC career. Despite the setback, Vera remains focused on honing her skills and coming back stronger than ever.
Watch the Vera Vs Figueiredo Interview in Jaula Here
Breakdown Of Mixed Martial Arts Records
Vera’s professional record reflects his diverse skills in both striking and grappling. He has earned victories by knockout (8), submissions (10) and decisions (5), demonstrating his versatility inside the octagon. Out of a total of 34 fights, 23 resulted in wins, Vera experienced 10 losses and 1 draw:
- For Nockout: 8
- victories Per presentation: 10
- victories by decision: 5 victories
Vera’s journey has been full of ups and downs, but his commitment to the sport and his determination to represent Ecuador on the world stage remain unwavering. As he continues to train for his eventual return to the top, fans can expect more exciting performances from this warrior.
Chito Vera’s legacy in Ecuador and beyond
As one of the most recognized figures in Ecuadorian sports, Vera has become a symbol of pride for his country. His story, from a troubled youth to a UFC contender, serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters, not only in Ecuador but throughout Latin America.
Although the road ahead remains challenging, Chito Vera’s unwavering focus on his goals suggests that the best is yet to come. Whether training in the gym, fighting in the octagon or spending time with his family in Ecuador, Vera remains steadfast and driven by a love for his country and the sport of MMA. Fans of “Fajador.co” can expect Vera to continue to make headlines in the world of combat sports.
