Chito Vera

What’s next for Chito Vera after his knockout win at UFC 268?

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This past weekend at UFC 268, we saw a battle in the bantamweight division which featured the past and the future. Former lightweight champion and top contender Frankie Edgar (24-10-1) was taking on Marlon “Chito” Vera (20-7-1).

Edgar was looking to bounce back after his loss in a title eliminator to Cory Sandhagen while Chito Vera was looking for a signature win. Throughout Vera’s UFC career, he’s been known to be a very slow starter and that didn’t change at UFC 268.

In the first round, Edgar was able to take Vera down and controlled him for the majority of the round. However, in the second round, Vera really turned things around. Chito became increasingly aggressive on the feet and landed some big shots.

In the third round, both men had their moments early. However, momentum was really with Chito as he continuously stalked Edgar throughout. Then, Vera landed a massive front kick to the face that knocked out the former UFC lightweight champion and gave Chito his signature win.

What’s next after UFC 268?

The updated UFC rankings came out today and Chito Vera is just outside the top ten coming in at number eleven. Going back to UFC 227 in 2018, Vera is now 7-2 in his last nine fights. However, many believe that he won one of those two losses.

That was a loss against Song Yadong (17-5-1). With this win, Chito is in a really tough spot in regards to the rest of the division. Guys in front of him include Marlon Moraes, Dominick Cruz, Pedro Munhoz, and Cody Garbrandt.

Garbrandt is moving to 125, Moraes is on a big losing streak, and Cruz and Munhoz fight at UFC 269. In theory, whoever wins that fight would make sense right? Well, Munhoz is also contemplating a move to flyweight while Dominick Cruz will want someone ranked higher.

That leaves Chito in a bit of no mans land. So, who should the UFC pair him with? To me, there’s a couple of options. On one hand, I really like the idea of him rematching with Sean O’Malley (14-1). There’s serious beef there and a sense of uncertainty given the way the first fight ended.

Chito got the TKO win, but an O’Malley ankle injury played a big role. That would be a really good fight that fans would be very hyped for. O’Malley takes on Raulian Paiva at UFC 269. Another possibility is Song Yadong if he wins this weekend at UFC Vegas 42.

If Song wins, the rematch with Chito makes a ton of sense with the winner ready to take on someone in the top ten. Chito deserves a top ten opponent, but he’s a little stuck right now. Either way, expect a good and entertaining opponent for him next time out.

What’s next for Frankie Edgar after UFC 268 knockout loss?

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Frankie Edgar

This past Saturday on the main card of UFC 268, we saw a bantamweight showdown between former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (24-10-1) and Marlon “Chito” Vera (20-7-1). This was a big fight for Edgar who had a home crowd advantage fighting at MSG.

The fight at UFC 268 started out really well for Edgar. Edgar was able to get a takedown in the first round and spent the majority of the round on top of Chito Vera. The second round saw Chito Vera really start to put together a little momentum.

Chito started landing some big shots and entering the third round, the fight was up for grabs. Vera was fighting with a ton of urgency and kept pushing forward with big shots on the former UFC champion. Edgar was having his moments too until he was caught.

Chito landed a massive front kick to the face that knocked Edgar out and sent him to the canvas. Vera celebrated as a MSG crowd fell a little quiet as they watched the Toms River native ask the referee what happened. The former UFC champion suffered his second consecutive brutal knockout loss.

What’s next after UFC 268?

After this latest loss at UFC 268, many are wondering what’s next for Frankie Edgar. On one hand, we are just one year removed from him winning a tremendous fight against Pedro Munhoz. On the other hand, he’s 40 years old and has been brutally knocked out twice in a row.

Do I think that Edgar is going to retire? No, and I don’t believe the UFC is going to say he needs to hang it up. Edgar was very competitive with Chito until that knockout in the third round. I can’t see him walking away after that loss.

However, the UFC is going to have to figure out an opponent that makes sense. For that, I would turn your attention to UFC 269 next month. On the prelims, Dominick Cruz (23-3) is taking on Pedro Munhoz (19-6).

Whoever loses that fight would be perfect for Frankie Edgar. If Cruz loses to Munhoz, the UFC could put together a matchup between the two legends that fight fans everywhere would love to see. If Munhoz loses, we can see a rematch after their first fight was razor close.

I don’t see Edgar hanging it up, but I also don’t see him making another run towards a title. For the fans of “The Answer”, you might want to enjoy his next fight because that one might just be his last.

Chito Vera knocks out Frankie Edgar at UFC 268

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On the main card of UFC 268, we saw a fun showdown in the bantamweight division. Former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (24-9-1) was fighting in his backyard of Madison Square Garden as he took on Marlon “Chito” Vera (19-7-1).

For Edgar, this was his third appearance in the UFC‘s bantamweight division. The former lightweight champion spent his entire career fighting in weight classes where he was clearly the smaller man in the cage. Edgar entered this contest 1-1 in the bantamweight division.

This fight was a golden opportunity for Chito Vera. Vera was 7-2 in his last nine UFC appearances, granted one of those losses was an awful decision. His only true loss came last December when he lost to Jose Aldo.

Vera returned in June to defeat Davey Grant and looked sensational. Now, he’s taking on a former UFC champion with his eyes on the top ten of the bantamweight division. A win here would be huge for Chito.

UFC 268 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 268 bantamweight contest kicked off with immediate pressure from Vera but it’s Edgar who lands first with a nice right hand. Edgar’s movement looks really good in the opening seconds and he lands a couple of really nice left hooks.

Good combination from Edgar as Vera lands a leg kick. Chito plots forward but eats a clean right hand from Edgar. Nice leg kick from Edgar who continues to circle on the outside. Both step forward and trade in the center.

Vera lands a kick to the body but Edgar catches it and uses it to takedown Chito. Edgar postures up and lands a couple of really nice elbows. Vera trying to tie up the hands but he eats a few more really strong elbows from the former lightweight champion.

Chito starts landing some really nice elbows from the bottom but Edgar still getting the better of things here. Edgar’s top game looks great here in the opening frame. Another beautiful elbow lands for Edgar and then he stands up.

Chito lands a couple of really nice upkicks that forces Edgar back into the guard. Edgar goes right back to work on the elbows in the final seconds of the round. Great opening round for Edgar who is up 1-0 at UFC 268.

Round 2

Entering the second round at UFC 268 and Chito needs to get some momentum back after the first round. Chito starts forward to start the second round and he looks much more aggressive here. Good low kick lands for Vera and Edgar counters.

Edgar steps forward but eats a big right hand from Chito Vera. A blitz from Edgar who lands a beautiful right hand over the top. Vera lands a nice knee to the body but Edgar catches it and lands a takedown.

Vera immediately starts throwing elbows from the bottom. Edgar settles into the guard as he begins looking for ground and pound openings. Nice shots from the former lightweight champion. Good right hand Edgar but Vera forces a scramble and they get back to the feet.

Vera is getting very aggressive and he’s throwing heat. Edgar is circling around the outside and Vera is just stalking him here. Huge knee up the middle lands for Chito and the momentum is shifting here.

Knee to the body for Chito and Edgar goes down briefly but he’s okay. Nice kick lands for Chito Vera who is really finding his groove here in the second round. Leg kick for Edgar but Vera is walking right through it.

Nice right hand lands for Edgar. Lead elbow lands for Chito and Edgar is hurt. The round comes to a close and it’s all even at UFC 268.

Round 3

Entering the final round at UFC 268 and it’s anyone’s fight with the score one round a piece. Edgar starts the final round with a combination. Chito is working his kicks and Edgar lands another really nice combination over the top.

Vera tries for a big combination and just misses. Nice kick to the body lands for Chito and Edgar responds with a big combination. Side kick to the body lands for Chito. Edgar goes for a takedown but Vera defends well. Nice right hand lands for Chito Vera.

Big leg kick lands for Vera and Edgar lands a hook to the body. Edgar lands a nice lead left hook. Another nice combination from Edgar. Vera is stalking Edgar here but Edgar is doing a good job of scoring points.

Both step forward and land good shots but Chito’s appears to be throwing with more power. Edgar lands a nice straight left. Chito Vera lands a front kick up the middle and Edgar falls face first. This one is over and Chito Vera scores the knockout win.

Chito Vera def. Frankie Edgar by KO – Round 3

UFC 268 Preview: Frankie Edgar – Chito Vera

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Tomorrow night on the main card of UFC 268, we will see a fun showdown in the bantamweight division. Former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (24-9-1) will be fighting in his backyard of Madison Square Garden as he takes on Marlon “Chito” Vera (19-7-1).

For Edgar, he will be making his third appearance in the UFC‘s bantamweight division. The former lightweight champion spent his entire career fighting in weight classes where he was clearly the smaller man in the cage.

However, when Edgar broke into the sport, there was no 145 or 135 in the UFC. Edgar rose to the top and became lightweight champion despite the lack of size. However, Edgar hasn’t touched UFC gold since 2012. He’s 1-1 in the bantamweight division and this fight could be do or die for his career.

While it might be desperation mode for Edgar, this is a golden opportunity for Chito Vera. Vera is 7-2 in his last nine UFC appearances, granted one of those losses was an awful decision. His only true loss came last December when he lost to Jose Aldo.

Vera returned in June to defeat Davey Grant and looked sensational. Now, he’s taking on a former UFC champion with his eyes on the top ten of the bantamweight division. A win here would be huge for Chito.

UFC 268 Prediction

This is really good matchmaking by the UFC. These two have styles that compliment each other and both really need this win for different reasons. Edgar needs to win to prove that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.

Meanwhile Chito Vera needs to win to prove he can compete with the elites of the division. For Vera, he’s definitely going to have the power advantage tomorrow night. If he’s going to win, I personally see him getting it done by stoppage.

For Edgar, I really like his ability to wrestle as well as his activity and speed. Those combining together give him a big advantage when it comes to scoring points and if we see a decision, I like Edgar’s ability to score throughout.

While I see a clear path for Chito Vera, I really like Frankie Edgar at UFC 268. I think the former lightweight champion still has plenty left in him and I like this matchup for him. Chito Vera is dangerous, but Edgar’s been in there which much more dangerous. I’m expecting a great performance from “The Answer” tomorrow night.

UFC pivots and books Frankie Edgar – Chito Vera

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Frankie Edgar

The UFC has switched up their plans for a bantamweight contest that will go down in November. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported this afternoon that the promotion was booking at contest between Frankie Edgar (24-9-1) and Chito Vera (19-7-1).

The matchup will take place at UFC 268 on November 6th. Now, originally the promotion was planning on Edgar taking on Sean O’Malley on this card. However, The Suga Show turned down the date due to some conflicts in his schedule.

The UFC wanted to keep Edgar on the card with the card being planned for Madison Square Garden. Edgar, a New Jersey native, was also wanting to stay on the NYC card in November.

As a result, the UFC scrapped their plans for O’Malley and shifted to the one man who’s defeated him, Chito Vera. Vera is coming off of a bounce back win back in June when he defeated Davey Grant by decision.

That win came on the heels of Vera’s loss to former UFC champion Jose Aldo back in December. Now, Vera is getting right back in there with another legend and another former UFC champion.

Last UFC Stand for Edgar?

Frankie Edgar still has a lot of fight left in him. The former lightweight champion is now competing in his third weight class in the UFC as he’s trying to once again capture gold that has evaded him since 2012.

As mentioned, Edgar became a star when he became the UFC lightweight champion. That said, Edgar was always undersized for a lightweight. Eventually, Edgar moved to 145 pounds and tried to become a champion at featherweight.

Edgar had three cracks at the UFC featherweight title and came up short in each contest. For the final move of his career, Edgar decided to drop down to 135 pounds and compete as a bantamweight.

In reality, this is the best weight class for Edgar and who knows what his career would’ve been like if he would have been at 135 the entire time. He made his bantamweight debut last year and picked up a win over Pedro Munhoz.

Edgar lost in a UFC title eliminator earlier this year to Cory Sandhagen by first round knockout in 28 seconds. That said, Edgar is still ready to try again and he’s ready to take on Chito Vera.

After dominant win at UFC 264, what’s next for ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley?

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Sean O'Malley

Kicking off the main card at UFC 264 was a showdown in the bantamweight division between newcomer Kris Moutinho (9-5) and “Suga” Sean O’Malley (14-1). First and foremost, I truly don’t believe there was a loser in this fight.

Yes, O’Malley completely dominated and put on a masterclass on Saturday night. However, Kris Moutinho showed insane heart and made good on his promise for the two of the to get Fight of The Night.

Moutinho took everything O’Malley threw at him and kept coming. Herb Dean made the unfortunate call to stop the fight in the third, but pretty much everyone believes that Moutinho should have been given the last 30 seconds to finish the fight.

Nevertheless, O’Malley shined at UFC 264. Moutinho was a replacement opponent, and O’Malley was taking a risk in fighting a relative unknown. His role was to completely dominate the fight and that’s what he did.

The Suga Show was on fall display. His striking was sensational, his counters were perfect, and as always, he was quite the showman. With the win, O’Malley advanced to 6-1 in the UFC with the lone loss coming against Chito Vera (17-7-1).

What’s next after UFC 264?

After the UFC 264 contest ended, O’Malley had a few names that he called out. He called out Dominick Cruz, Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Petr Yan. In reality, I’m not sure any of those guys are going to be options for O’Malley.

Font is likely going to be in a title eliminator next which rules him out. Cody Garbrandt’s manager announced he’s moving to 125 pounds so he’s out. Petr Yan is fighting for the UFC title next so he’s out.

Dominick Cruz could be an option, but the former UFC champion is seeking someone higher in the rankings. In reality, I don’t think O’Malley will get anyone that he called out after the fight on Saturday night.

So, who should star in The Suga Show next? Well, Cody Garbrandt’s agent had a fantastic suggestion about another one of his clients. Ali Abdelaziz suggested that Sean O’Malley fights former UFC champion Frankie Edgar (24-9-1) next.

Personally, I love that fight for O’Malley. It would be a huge test and it would really show just where The Suga Show is at. Edgar just fought in a title eliminator against Cory Sandhagen and fell short. He’s ranked seventh and would be the perfect step up.

If not Edgar, I really wouldn’t mind seeing the rematch with Chito Vera. Vera is ranked 13th and there first fight did cast some doubt based on the way it ended. Why not have the two men run things back so we can all get some closure with that one.

Sound Off: Who should Sean O’Malley fight next?

After UFC Vegas 29, will see see Dominick Cruz – Chito Vera?

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Dominick Cruz

Over the weekend at UFC Vegas 29, we saw the rematch between Marlon “Chito” Vera (17-7-1) and Davey Grant (13-5). The two bantamweight contenders first met back in 2016 where Davey Grant was able to pick up the unanimous decision victory.

Despite having won the first fight and won three straight entering UFC Vegas 29, Davey Grant was the betting underdog on Saturday night. That was because Chito Vera has been really taking off over the last few years.

Since that loss to Davey Grant back in 2016, Vera had gone 9-4 in thirteen fights. At UFC 252, Vera got his highlight victory when he stopped the hype train of Suga Sean O’Malley by stopping him in the first round.

Back in December, Vera fought Jose Aldo and it was an incredibly competitive fight, however, Aldo got the victory. The rematch between Vera and Grant at UFC Vegas 29 didn’t disappoint as the two men took home Fight of The Night honors.

It was a back-and-forth battle on Saturday night. However, Chito Vera was just always one step ahead of Davey Grant. A few times it looked like Chito could get the finish, but Grant was all heart and fought to the final bell at UFC Vegas 29. Ultimately, all three judges gave the fight to Chito Vera.

UFC looking at Vera – Cruz?

So, where does former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz (23-3) fit into all of this? Well, after the fight was over, Vera said that he would love to fight Dominick Cruz next. Cruz was on the broadcast calling the fights on Saturday night.

The former champion last fought back at UFC 259 when he defeated Casey Kenney by Split Decision. It was a big fight for Cruz who showed that he wasn’t done competing yet and he didn’t care about fighting up and coming contenders.

After Saturday’s win, Vera will still likely be on the back side of the top fifteen in the UFC’s rankings. Dominick Cruz is ranked inside the top ten, and my guess is that he will look for a top-tier opponent in his next fight. Chito Vera is great, but I think we will likely see him fighting someone else.

UFC Vegas 29 Preview: Marlon Vera – Davey Grant 2

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Tomorrow night on the main card of UFC Vegas 29, we will see a fun rematch in the bantamweight division. Marlon “Chito” Vera (16-7-1) is back as he takes on Davey Grant (13-4). This fight is a rematch from 2016.

Back in 2016, Davey Grant was able to pick up the unanimous decision over Chito Vera. Now, I will say that when they first fought, Chito Vera was still very green in his UFC career. He was just 23 years old and it was just his third fight with the promotion. That said, Davey Grant still won the fight.

However, since that loss, Chito Vera has been much more active as he’s been steadily climbing the ranks at 135 pounds. Since their first fight, Grant has fought five times while Vera has fought 13 times.

Chito Vera got the biggest win of his career last year when he stopped Sean O’Malley in the first round at UFC 252. That completed a stretch for Vera that saw him go 6-1 which led him to a fight with former UFC champion Jose Aldo. Vera lost the fight, but was extremely competitive.

Davey Grant has had some trouble staying active, but this will be his third fight in the last 12 months. After starting his UFC career 1-3, Grant has won three straight including back-to-back knockout victories.

UFC Vegas 29 Prediction

Heading into UFC Vegas 29, Davey Grant is making a lot of people question their picks of Chito Vera. When the fight got announced, most believed it was Chito’s fight to lose. Chito has been way more active against much better competition and he’s so much better now than he was when they first fought.

However, Grant’s back-to-back knockout wins are giving a lot of people pause entering UFC Vegas 29. There’s no questioning the fact that Grant has the skills to make this fight interesting and potentially win the rematch.

That said, I really do personally like Chito Vera in this fight. He’s become so much sharper over the last few years and still at just 28 years old he’s getting better. His defensive grappling should help him here and I really think it’s his fight to lose. Grant has the power to make it interesting, but I think Chito Vera gets it done.

Prediction: Chito Vera by Unanimous Decision

UFC books Chito Vera – Davey Grant 2

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The UFC is in the process of finalizing a fun bantamweight matchup for June. MMA DNA was the first to report last night that the promotion was close to finalizing a matchup between Marlon “Chito” Vera (16-7-1) and Davey Grant (13-4).

The matchup will take place at UFC Fight Night on June 19th. This fight is actually a rematch from their first fight that happened in 2016. That was Davey Grant’s second fight in the UFC and it took place in his homeland of England.

That night, Davey Grant was able to pickup the decision win. Grant was introduced to the UFC via The Ultimate Fighter. He made the finale during his season back in 2013 but came up short.

He didn’t have his second octagon appearance for more than two years after that. After he defeated Chito Vera, he lost back-to-back fights. However, as of late, Davey Grant has looked better than ever.

Heading into this UFC Fight Night on June 19th, Grant will be riding a three-fight win streak. His last two performances have been sensational where he has knockout wins over Martin Day and Jonathan Martinez.

UFC Return for Chito

2020 was a very interesting year for Chito Vera in the UFC. Entering the year, he had won five fights in a row which had the bantamweight division on notice. Chito looked like he was well on his way to being a title contender.

He started his 2020 by taking on Song Yadong. Song won the decision, but many people believe that Chito won that fight. After that, Vera was tasked with taking on “Suga” Sean O’Malley at UFC 252.

Vera used his calf kicks to stop the hype of the Suga Show and get the biggest win of his UFC career. After that win, the promotion gave him the biggest fight of his career. Vera took on former UFC champion Jose Aldo in December.

Vera showed heart in that matchup but was ultimately outclassed by Aldo in two of the rounds. Chito is 1-2 in his last three, but he’s still one of the bright prospects in the UFC’s bantamweight division. This should be a great matchup and with the previous history, should be a fun buildup.

After coming up short at UFC Vegas 20, what’s next for Jimmie Rivera?

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This past Saturday at UFC Vegas 20, Jimmie Rivera (23-5) and Pedro Munhoz (19-5, 1 NC) went to battle for the second time. The two men had previously fought back in 2015 with Jimmie Rivera edging out a split decision victory.

It was apparent from the opening bell that this fight would go a little differently. Like the first fight, this fight was very competitive. However, from the first round at UFC Vegas 20, Pedro Munhoz had the advantage.

Rivera was able to land some big punches early on, but Munhoz was doing serious damage with calf kicks. By the end of the first round, Rivera was walking with a limp and was trying to disguise how badly he was hurt.

From that moment on, Rivera couldn’t get any momentum going. Munhoz seemed to be getting the better of the exchanges due to the fact that Rivera couldn’t plant down on his shots.

In the final round at UFC Vegas 20, Jimmie Rivera did go for it. He was swinging with everything he had trying to get the finish he needed, but it wasn’t enough. In the end, Pedro Munhoz walked away with a unanimous decision victory.

What’s next after UFC Vegas 20?

Jimmie Rivera started his UFC career at 5-0. At that point in his career, he was 21-1 heading into a matchup against Marlon Moraes. Since that matchup, Jimmie Rivera is just 2-4 in six matchups.

However, it is worth noting that all four of the losses came against guys who are inside the UFC’s top eight at bantamweight. Rivera has only lost to some of the elites in the division so it’s not time to write off El Terror just yet.

With the loss, I think you need to look down in the divisional rankings for his next matchup. One fight I would be interested in is seeing Rivera take on Chito Vera (16-7-1). Vera has looked great over the last couple of years and he’s 15th in the division.

He’s coming off of a loss as well so the timing makes sense. Another potential matchup could be Rivera against Merab Dvalishvili (12-4). Merab has won five in a row and he’s currently ranked 12th. From a rankings perspective, this could be the angle the UFC goes with.