Brandon Vera

Brandon ‘The Truth’ Vera – MMA Profile

With 9 siblings, Brandon “The Truth” Vera needed a way to shine. While attending high school, he attracted attention as a star wrestler. Before long, Old Dominion University approached him with a full wrestling scholarship. Though he decided to accept the scholarship, Vera followed a different path less than 2 years later: he joined the Air Force. But, his military career was about to come to an abrupt halt.

Vera had high hopes for competing on the Air Force’s wrestling team. However, he tore ligaments in his right elbow and suffered nerve damage. Ultimately, his right arm was impaired and the Air Force issued him a medical discharge. Upon returning to civilian life, Vera began physical therapy and conditioning for his arm. Soon, he started competing in local wrestling matches and eventually appeared on the radar of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu trainer named Lloyd Irvin.

Under Irvin’s tutelage, he began learning Muay Thai. He was a quick student and with his long history of wrestling, Vera entered the Octagon for his first professional MMA bout in 2002. He defeated his opponent (Adam Rivera) with a first round TKO. It was the beginning of an impressive 8-fight winning streak for Vera.

Since 2002, he has fought in World Extreme Cagefighting and the UFC, developing a reputation for remarkable endurance. For example, on January 22, 2005, he knocked out Andre Mussi within the bout’s first minute. Later that evening, he defeated Mike Whitehead with a TKO. Vera moved immediately into the UFC where he continues to make his mark using his devastating kicks, knees, and elbows.

Though he began as a heavyweight, Vera has since moved into the light heavyweight class. Since 2002, his record stands at 9 wins (6 by knockout) and 2 losses. Today, he is a partial owner of City Boxing, a gym in San Diego. The ownership stake was offered to him after he served a successful stint as a trainer in the gym. Vera also divides his time by making occasional visits to the Philippines, where he participates in a primetime TV show called Kamandag.

Vera’s career in MMA hasn’t been without challenges. That said, his titles, which include Pan-American Champion and WKA Muay Thai National champion suggest that he has the heart, skill, and physical power to become a UFC star.