Marlon Vera isn’t focused on what’s next after Cory Sandhagen.
‘Chito’ is currently on a four-fight win streak after defeating Davey Grant. Frankie Edgar, Rob Font, and Dominick Cruz. The Ecuadorian bantamweight now finds himself ranked at number four, with a massive opportunity against Sandhagen on March 25.
Vera has a chance of securing a 135-pound title shot by defeating Sandhagen, but nothing is guaranteed. Aljamain Sterling is rumored to be defending the UFC bantamweight championship against Henry Cejudo on May 6. Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley is the number one contender, and he believes the next title shot is his.
During an interview with MMA Junkie, ‘Chito’ was asked about the possibility of O’Malley potentially fighting for the bantamweight title next. He responded by saying:
“I love Dana, I love the UFC, but sometimes they promise something and they have to change it… They call you, you don’t like the date, they call the next guy. That’s the way the business works, so honestly, whatever is happening outside of me, I really don’t give a f**k, I really don’t care. Right now it’s not about the title, it’s about Cory Sandhagen…”
O’Malley skyrocketed his chances of becoming a bantamweight world champion by defeating Petr Yan with a controversial split decision. ‘Sugar’ seems confident his next fight will be for the 135-pound title. With that said, ‘Chito’ or Sandhagen has a chance of stealing the opportunity with an impressive performance at UFC San Antonio.
Watch MMA Junkie’s interview with Marlon Vera below:
Marlon Vera says he’s evolved since defeating Dominick Cruz
Marlon Vera had one of his best performances yet against Dominick Cruz in August 2022. Not only did he beat Cruz, but ‘Chito’ also added a highlight-reel knockout to his resume. Despite Vera already being a legitimate threat to the UFC bantamweight throne, he claims to be evolving. The 30-year-old had this to say during the same interview with MMA Junkie:
“He’s [Cory Sandhagen] a great opponent. He’s a good fighter. I don’t really get too much into seeing what they do or how they do it. I focus on myself. I can guarantee you I’m a way better fighter than I was in the Cruz fight. I haven’t taken a foot out of the gym…”
Vera made his UFC debut in November 2014 after appearing on The Ultimate Fighter Latin America Season 1. Since then, the Ecuadorian has established a promotional record of 14-6. ‘Chito’ is now getting closer and closer to his long-awaited chance at becoming the UFC bantamweight champion.
