Paul Pierce. One of hit singer Prince's album's. What shall set you free. Brandon Vera. See the connection? If not, you soon shall.
It was seven years ago this July when Brandon "The Truth" Vera had his first professional mixed martial arts win over Adam Rivera. In those seven years, most would say that Vera's improved. They are right.
Vera is a very down-to-earth, fun-loving guy who has a bright career ahead of himself in the UFC. I was lucky enough to talk to Vera during an interview a few days ago, and one thing "The Truth" does not lack is humor. Vera also talked about his wife's MMA debut, what his ultimate goal is (or still is) in the UFC, and who his next fight will come against.
Nick: Brandon, why don’t you tell fans out there how training’s been going, and any adjustments you’ve been making since your last fight with Mike Patt.
Brandon: Training is going great. Adjustments? I haven’t made any adjustments since Mike Patt. I’ve just continued on what I’ve been doing since Mike Patt. I’ve just continued training and committed to training harder since then.
Nick: There’s many rumors flying around that your next bout comes at UFC 102 against a very tough Matt Hamill. Is there any truth (pardon the pun) to that rumor, and how do you feel you match up with Hamill?
Brandon: (Chuckle) I match up with Hamill just like I match up with any other 205’er in the UFC. He’s dangerous just like any of them. I am fighting Hamill at Portland, Oregon at [UFC] 102, and I am looking very forward to this fight for fans, and for myself.
I just want to see how much more I can improve and keep improving, and at what pace I can improve. Hamill is a tough dude, and he’s strong as hell. [Hamill] doesn’t get rattled, he doesn’t get nervous a lot, so it’s going to be a good fight.
Nick: You first flirted with the Heavyweight division upon entering the UFC, and you’ve since moved down to Light Heavyweight. Which division do you feel has the better fighters, and how have you changed your fight game to accommodate the change?
Brandon: I have definitely had to change my fighting style at 205 to accommodate the weight class. The guys at 205 are a lot more than, well I don’t want to say better shape; I guess you could say better shape, it’s just a different kind of shape I guess. So I had to learn how to adjust there.
Better fighters? It’s you-pick-them.
I mean the 205 division is probably one of the best divisions in the world right now, in any organization anywhere. You’ve got the deepest pool of talented guys in the world. So better fighters, of course 205 does, but don’t get it twisted like the UFC’s Heavyweight division’s slow by any means.
I mean they’ve got Brock Lesnar, [Antonio Rodrigo] Nogueira, Frank Mir, Couture’s still fighting up there, Hardonk, Kongo, I mean the list goes on and on for Heavyweights.
So to compare the two is kind of unfair, but, both divisions definitely have their set of guys that are good as hell.
Nick: When you first started in the UFC you said that your goal is to hold championship gold in more than one division. In light of recent short title reigns in the two divisions, has that goal changed at all, or are you just focused on one belt right now?
Brandon: Hold two titles at the same time! I’m focused on one belt right now, but that goal still never changes. That’s the ultimate goal.
That’ll be when I know I’ve done my job as a fighter and I can retire with full complete satisfaction; [when] I know I’ve done the best I can do, and to hold both belts at the same time would be the s***.
That is still the ultimate goal. Call me cocky, but that will be the end game for me.
Nick: Many different fighters have different reasons for fighting; some fight for their families, some for the money, and some for the fame. Why do you fight?
Brandon: For my family. Definitely for my family. I just want to make sure my family doesn’t have to struggle, or at least I can help with their struggles and make sure that my family, this generation, is provided for better than last generation and hopefully that will just keep going you know?
Nick: I know you have a lot of pride in your heritage. Your web site is plastered with fans sharing the same heritage as you. Can you just comment on that and how you embrace your heritage?
Brandon: I mean, I grew up Filipino. Like, if I took my house on the block and put it in the Philippines, I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference.
You know, it’s hard to explain; it’s a lifestyle and it’s how I’ve known to grow up, and how I respect my elders and respect my roots and how I’m constantly reminded of my history, the history of people.
It’s not just the Philippines, it’s the history of America as well. I’m a history buff, and I love the stuff. I don’t retain a lot of information but I love learning about it, even if I learn about the same thing three or four times it’s still exciting everytime I hear it again. So, it’s life!
Nick: Even to go as far as another sport, how do you feel about [Manny] Pacquiao in boxing and how he’s represented the Filipinos?
Brandon: He’s the man. He has done so much for the Filipino’s community and people and nation. As one person, he’s done a lot and he’s definitely a role model. His work ethic and his determination in the cage, I’m sorry, the ring is ridiculous.
It’s like every round he gets stronger and stronger and that’s something I strive for, because if we have to go to a third round, I gotta give it to this guy who has stayed with me in here for one more round.
When I get to the third round, I’m gonna give it to him even harder than the first or second round, you know, just because he’s still here. So he’s definitely a role model, for everybody, not just Filipinos but everybody.
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