Marlon “Chito” Vera, the Ecuadorian UFC star, is back home in Guayaquil and setting his sights on climbing back into the top five of the UFC’s bantamweight division. After a busy career year that included fighting for the title, Vera is now focused on his training and plotting his return to the top ranks of the sport.
Vera, who took on Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight championship in 2024, has not yet scheduled his next fight but is working tirelessly behind the scenes.
“I don’t have any fight planned for the rest of this year,”
Vera shared after arriving at the José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport.
“My goal is to focus on my preparation and get back into the top five of the division. I want to continue making my country proud.”
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Chito’s Global Influence: From Octagon to Catwalk
In addition to his MMA career, Vera made waves in a completely different arena—fashion. On September 6, 2024, the UFC star surprised fans by walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. Vera, known for his fierce persona in the octagon, swapped his fight gear for high fashion as he modeled for renowned Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría. Donning pieces from Chavarría’s “America” Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Vera showed the world that he can shine just as brightly on the catwalk as he does 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 might have resulted in a decision loss, Vera’s presence at one of the world’s premier fashion events demonstrates his ability to transcend MMA and enter the realm of mainstream culture.
As Vera continues to balance his fighting career with new ventures, his foray into fashion speaks to the expanding 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 that few MMA fighters have been able to accomplish.
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 ahead for his compatriot.
“He’s growing impressively,” Vera said of Morales. “He’s fighting very well, and I’m confident he will go very far.”
Vera’s return to Ecuador is more than just a time for reflection and rest—it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and showcase the beauty of his homeland to his fellow fighters. Accompanying him on this trip is former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, who Vera plans to show around Ecuador.
A Fighter’s Journey: From Chone to the UFC
Marlon Vera’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. Born on December 2, 1992, in Chone, Ecuador, Vera was raised in a middle-class family. His early years were marked by rebellion and street fights, but a move to Guayaquil at the age of 16 changed his path. There, Vera discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art that would set the foundation for his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) career.
Vera’s rise through the ranks of MMA began in 2011 when he started fighting as an amateur. By 2012, he made his professional debut, quickly racking up an impressive record of 8-1-1 across various Latin American promotions. His breakthrough came in 2014 when he competed on “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America,” fighting under the tutelage of former heavyweight champion Fabrício Werdum.
See highlights from Marlon “Chito” Vera’s early career Here
Despite an unfortunate exit from the show due to a skin infection, Vera made a strong impression and soon found his way into the UFC. His official UFC debut came later that year, though it ended in a loss against Marco Beltrán. But Vera’s resilience shone through. In his next fight, he earned a submission victory over Roman Salazar and secured a “Performance of the Night” bonus, marking the beginning of his rise.
Vera’s Notable 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 holds a professional MMA record of 34 fights with 23 wins, 10 losses, and one draw. His impressive tally includes 8 knockouts and 10 submission wins, showcasing his well-rounded skillset.
Here are some of the key moments in Vera’s fighting journey:
August 15, 2020: In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 252, Vera faced rising star Sean O’Malley, earning a first-round TKO victory. Vera’s calf kick caused significant damage to O’Malley, leading to a stoppage via ground-and-pound. This win cemented Vera’s status as a top contender and earned him widespread recognition.
Watch Vera Vs O’Malley Here
August 13, 2022: Vera scored one of his most memorable victories 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 took on Cory Sandhagen in a closely contested bout at UFC on ESPN 43. Although the fight ended in a split decision loss, it was a test of Vera’s resilience and determination. Despite the defeat, one judge scored the fight in his favor, highlighting how competitive it was.
Watch Sandhagen Vs Vera Here
August 19, 2023: Vera bounced back with a unanimous decision win against Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, proving that he still belongs among the elite fighters of the bantamweight division.
Watch Vera Vs Munhoz Highlights Here
March 9, 2024: The biggest opportunity of Vera’s career came when he fought Sean O’Malley for a second time, this time for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 299. Despite a hard-fought effort, Vera lost the rematch via unanimous decision. However, he continued to display his toughness and fighting spirit.
Watch Vera Vs O’Malley 2 Here
August 3, 2024: Vera’s most recent bout took place at UFC on ABC 7 against Deiveson Figueiredo. Vera lost by unanimous decision, marking the first time he had been knocked down in his UFC career. Despite the setback, Vera remains focused on refining his skills and returning stronger than ever.
Watch Vera Vs Figueiredo Cage Interview Here
Mixed Martial Arts Record Breakdown
Vera’s professional record reflects his diverse skillset in both striking and grappling. He has secured victories through knockouts (8), submissions (10), and decisions (5), demonstrating his versatility inside the Octagon. Out of 34 total fights, 23 resulted in wins, with Vera experiencing 10 losses, and 1 draw:
- By Knockout: 8 wins
- By Submission: 10 wins
- By Decision: 5 wins
Vera’s journey has been one filled with highs and lows, but his commitment to the sport and his determination to represent Ecuador on the global stage remains unwavering. As he continues to train for his eventual return to the top, fans can expect more thrilling performances from this warrior.
Chito Vera’s Legacy in Ecuador and Beyond
As one of the most recognizable 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 across Latin America.
Though the road ahead remains challenging, Chito Vera’s unwavering focus on his goals suggests that his best is yet to come. Whether he’s training in the gym, fighting in the Octagon, or spending time with family back in Ecuador, Vera remains grounded and driven by the love of his country and the sport of MMA. Fans of “Fajador.co” can expect Vera to continue making headlines in the world of combat sports.
