UFC Vancouver: Chito Vera
VANCOUVER, CANADA – Ecuador’s MMA trailblazer, Marlon “Chito” Vera, is set to make his return at UFC Vancouver on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in a must-win bout against Canada’s Aiemann Zahabi. Chito’s Comeback: Ecuador’s Marlon Vera Returns with Fuego in His Fists.
After back-to-back defeats to Sean O’Malley and Deiveson Figueiredo, Vera finds himself at a career crossroads. Although he still holds a record of 23 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw, another loss could derail his title ambitions. On the other hand, a dominant win might reignite his path to gold—and silence the doubters.
Training with Patriotism and Purpose
Vera isn’t just preparing for another fight. He’s training with passion, national pride, and a renewed sense of urgency. His gym, decorated with jerseys of Ecuadorian football legends like Iván Kaviedes and Álex Aguinaga, bursts with yellow, blue, and red.
In a viral UFC promo, Chito stated, “Every round, every punch—I carry my country with me.” That message resonates deeply. Because for Vera, this isn’t just a fight—it’s a mission to uplift Ecuador on the world stage.
Leading Ecuador’s MMA Explosion
While Chito Vera paved the way, he’s no longer Ecuador’s lone warrior in the UFC. Rising stars such as Michael Morales (18-0), Carlos Vera (12-0), and Adrián Luna Martinetti—who recently signed a UFC contract—are part of a surging new generation.
Even so, Chito remains the symbol of Ecuadorian MMA. He was the first to dream, the first to fight, and now, the first to face the pressure of reclaiming his spot among the bantamweight elite.
All Eyes on Vancouver
Will Chito Vera bounce back in style? Or will Zahabi spoil the comeback in front of a home-country crowd? The stakes couldn’t be higher. Because when Chito fights, Ecuador fights—and the whole world watches.
