Did Marlon Vera return to the octagon a bit too quickly after taking a hellacious beating by the hands of Sean O’Malley again in March?
That’s a query “Chito” is asking himself after shedding to Deiveson Figueiredo by way of determination on the undercard of UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov. Figueiredo turned the primary fighter to ever knock Vera down within the UFC (watch the highlights the place), which may simply be a testomony to the previous flyweight champion’s energy at bantamweight. However in an announcement posted on social media after the occasion, Vera prompt the harm he took 5 months earlier performed a component.
“I fail at myself final evening,” Vera wrote on Instagram. “I assumed I used to be prepared, I felt good within the fitness center, however on the finish possibly I come again too fast after a tough title battle.”
O’Malley outstruck Vera 232 to 89 of their 5 spherical title battle at UFC 299, incomes 50-45, 50-45, 50-44 scores from the judges. Vera’s sturdiness carried him to the ultimate bell, however at what price? The O’Malley battle clearly took a toll on “Chito,” one which he hopes will put on off with extra time.
“Life doesn’t finish right here,” he continued. “I nonetheless dream about huge issues, I simply want time to let go and reset. Thanks Abu Dhabi in your like to my household for at all times being by my aspect, and Ecuador, thanks for at all times lifting me up such as you did prior to now. Shukrahn Abu Dhabi! I’ll be again re-born.”
Vera is simply 31 years outdated, so hopefully an prolonged break is all that’s wanted for him to reset and re-establish himself on the high of the bantamweight division. However it’s an essential reminder that fighters can solely take a lot harm earlier than their physique begins to betray them.
