Brandon Vera: Records, Net Worth, Weight, Age, and More!
Who Is Brandon Vera?
Brandon “The Truth” Vera is a Filipino-American mixed martial artist. He is most well known for fighting in the One Championship, being the first-ever heavyweight champion, and his previous fights in the UFC. Vera has been professionally fighting since 2002, even becoming the WEC Heavyweight Grand Prix champion in 2005. He is a master fighter in the styles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. He received his black belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Lloyd Irvin. He currently resides in Manila, Philippines, and has displayed his skills in the octagon against various opponents throughout his career.
What This Article Covers:
- Who Is Brandon Vera?
- Brandon Vera’s Early Years!
- Brandon Vera's Fight List!
- Brandon Vera's Best Fight of All Time!
- Who Did Brandon Vera Lose To?
- Brandon Vera's Record!
- Brandon Vera's Injuries!
Brandon Vera was previously married to Kerry Kasik, who was also a professional MMA fighter at one point. Kasik filed for divorce around September of 2014. Vera would later marry Jessica Craven in Guam on April 20, 2018. They now have a son named Atreyu, born on July 26, 2020. Vera has posted several photos and videos of Atreyu on his social media pages. Despite his knockout power in the ring, Vera enjoys sharing family moments with his fans, adding a touch of victory in his personal life.
Brandon Vera has actually dipped his toe into the film scene. He has acted in the films BuyBust (2018) and Day Zero (2022). He has also made some appearances in TV shows playing characters. At one point, he trained with Richard Guitierrez, teaching martial arts to the Filipino actor for his role in Kamandag. Despite being a skilled athlete, Vera has showcased his versatility in the entertainment industry as well.
Brandon Vera started fighting in the UFC around 2005. Eventually, he moved on to ONE FC in efforts to build up the MMA scene in his home country, the Philippines. He now holds dual citizenship in the Philippines and the United States. His hope is to build his own branch of aspiring mixed martial artists that could go on to compete in various competitions, showcasing their skills in striking, grappling, and overall mixed martial arts.
How Old Is Brandon Vera?
Brandon Vera was born on October 10, 1977 in Norfolk, Virginia making him 44 years of age.
Brandon Vera’s Early Years!
Brandon Vera grew up in a fairly large household with ten siblings and his father, Ernesto, and his stepmother, Amelia. Vera’s birthmother was rarely present in his life. Outside of his immediate household, he had three step-siblings that he would only see occasionally. As a teen in Lake Taylor High School, Vera was one of the top competitors for his wrestling team. He managed to receive a four-year scholarship to Old Dominion University in recognition of his wrestling performance. Additionally, he developed a keen interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as part of his diverse martial arts journey.
Brandon Vera would eventually realize that college life was not for him. Vera chose to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1997 to 1999. During his time in the Air Force, he utilized part of it to train at an Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His career in the Air Force ended when he tore ligaments in his right elbow during training, rendering him unable to use his right arm for a period. Vera opted for arthroscopic surgery to repair his ligament. Alongside his experiences in various martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai, Vera also delved into the discipline of boxing.
While healing from his injury, he started to practice wrestling alone. His techniques ended up catching the eye of Llyod Irvin, a very popular Jiu Jitsu coach. Irvin ended up opening his gym up to Vera. This is when Vera would start his career as a professional mixed martial artist.
How Much Is Brandon Vera Worth?
Brandon Vera is estimated to have a net worth of $2.5 million dollars as of 2022.
How Tall Is Brandon Vera?
Brandon measures 6 foot and two inches making him 188cm.
How Much Does Brandon Vera Weigh?
It is reported that Brandon Vera weighs around 246 pounds or 112 k
Brandon Vera's Fight List!
Brandon Vera has had much success in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions within the UFC and ONE Championship. His career started with an eight-match winning streak that opened the door to the UFC for him. His early fights took place in Excalibur 11 (2002), Next Level Fighting 19 (2003), and WEC 13 (2005). By October 2005, Vera had made his debut in the UFC. Known for his versatility and powerful leg kicks, Vera has left a lasting impact in the world of mixed martial arts.
During Vera’s time with the UFC, he fought professional fighters such as Thiago Silva, Eliot Marshall, and Ben Rothwell. Vera’s light heavyweight debut was on July 19, 2008, where he fought Reese Andy and won by unanimous decision. He would eventually switch back to heavyweight on August 31, 2013, which would be his last fight with the UFC. He faced Ben Rothwell and lost by a TKO in the third round. Known for his ground game, Vera has showcased his skills in various weight classes throughout his mixed martial arts career.
Brandon Vera’s next six and most recent fights would be with ONE Championship. He first fought Igor Subora during ONE FC: Warrior’s Way on December 5, 2014 where he would win the match. The next fight would be where Vera would win the first heavyweight ONE Championship belt against Paul Cheng. He would defend the belt another two times and then eventually lose it on April 28, 2021 against Arjan Bhullar.
Brandon Vera's Best Fight Of All Time!
One of Brandon Vera’s most talked-about fights is with Mauro Cerilli. The match took place on November 23, 2018, at ONE: Conquest of Champions. Vera had the daunting task of defending the heavyweight belt against Cerilli. At that point in time, Mauro had won his last five matches, making him a hot contender for the belt. This bout showcased Vera's prowess in mixed martial arts as he faced a formidable opponent in the ONE Championship arena.
The first round started out fast for Vera. Within the first thirty seconds he was already throwing punches and kicks. Cerilli had a hard time closing the distance. By the time he was confident enough to throw a punch, Vera dodged the first swing and countered the second one with a stern punch to the face, knocking Cerilli down to the ground. The match only lasted a minute and four seconds, giving Vera the win. This was his third time being able to wear the heavyweight ONE Championship belt.
Who Did Brandon Vera Lose To?
Brandon Vera lost to Tim Sylvia on October 20, 2007. The fight was lost at UFC 77 by unanimous decision.
Brandon Vera lost to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 85 on June 7, 2008. Vera lost to a TKO in the first round.
Brandon Vera lost to Keith Jardine on October 18, 2008 at UFC 89. The decision was split but Vera ultimately lost the match.
Brandon Vera lost to Randy Couture at UFC 105. The match took place on November 14, 2009. Couture won the fight by unanimous decision.
Brandon Vera lost to Jon Jones on March 21, 2010 on UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones. Jones won the match in round one with TKO.
Brandon Vera lost UFC on Fox: Vera vs. Shogun on August 4, 2012. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was able to secure the win in the fourth round with a TKO.
Brandon Vera lost to Ben Rothwell on August 31, 2013 at UFC 164. Rothwell was able to successfully earn a TKO in round three.
Brandon Vera lost to Auna La Nsang at ONE: Century Part 2 on October 13, 2019. Vera lost to a TKO in round two.
Brandon Vera’s most recent loss was to Arjan Bhullar. He would lose his title of “Heavyweight ONE Champion” against Bhullar at ONE: Dangal on April 28, 2021. Vera lost by TKO in round two.
One of Brandon Vera’s most controversial losses was against Thiago Silva which was eventually changed to a “no contest” decision. This was concluded after Silva was revealed to have falsified his urine test. He was taking performance enhancement drugs during the time of the fight which expunged the loss from Vera’s record.
Brandon Vera's Record!
Brandon Vera currently sits at a record of sixteen wins, nine losses, and one “no contest.” That is a total of twenty-six professional matches. Eleven of Vera’s winning matches were by knockout, one was by submission, and four of them were by decision. Six of his losses were by knockout and three were by decision.
Brandon Vera's Injuries!
During UFC 137, Brandon Vera broke his arm fighting Eliot Marshall. The first two rounds of the fight were looking amazing for Vera. The injury would occur during round three when Marshall would attack a rear-naked choke and then transition off to an arm-bar, effectively breaking Vera’s arm. Despite the broken arm, Vera would win by unanimous decision. The excitement of the win would soon fade when it was said that this injury could end his career in MMA. Vera ended up fighting again in 2012.
In March of 2010, Brandon Vera would face Jon Jones in a vicious televised event for UFC. In the first round, Jones would land a heavy blow near Vera’s eye socket, breaking three bones in Vera’s cheek. Vera said that the entire right side of his face was numb. Brandon would have to visit a specialist for his injuries.
There have also been several instances where Brandon Vera has shattered the bones in his hands. Most notable is when he fought “Shogun” Rua.
Is Brandon Vera Retired?
Brandon Vera is still an active fighter. His most recent match was with Arjan Bhular on April 28, 2021 at One: Dangal. His next fight is still to be announced.
If you enjoyed this piece, check out these fighters: