Brandon Vera set for One FC debut in Manila.

For the first time in his mixed martial arts career, Filipino-American Brandon Vera will get a chance to fight in Manila as he makes his debut in One FC. This was announced yesterday, September 3, at the press conference held at the NBA Cafe in Taguig City. Joining Brandon Vera in the press conference was Rich Franklin, former UFC Middleweight Champion and now Vice President of One FC.

Brandon Vera, looking very down-to-earth in a pair of 'tsinelas'. :)

NBA Cafe, Manila.

"I am so excited to compete in Manila for the first time for ONE FC,” said Brandon Vera, who used to fight with the UFC. “The fans in the Philippines have been behind me my entire career, and I want to repay their faith by giving them an exciting performance and bringing my best into the ONE FC cage for a victorious debut this December."

Brandon Vera's debut happens on December 5, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The event, dubbed as 'One FC 22: Warrior's Way', will be One FC's fifth card in the Philippines. Vera will be fighting at 265 pounds (heavyweight division) for the first time in his mixed martial arts career. His opponent for the said event has yet to be announced.

Whipped out his phone...

Brandon Vera parted ways with the UFC last June, and signed with One FC in July. He said the opportunity to fight in front of his hometown crowd (ergo, Manila) was the decisive force in signing with One FC.

"Pusong Pinoy talaga ako," said Vera, who surprised the crowd with his proficiency in Tagalog, albeit with a slang."Nung lumalaki ako, sinusubuan ako ng lola ko ng nakakamay, tanggal ang sapatos ganyan... Filipino talaga ako." (I'm a Filipino by heart. Growing up, my grandmother would feed me using her hands. We'd take off our shoes inside the house... I'm a real Filipino.)

... for a groufie with Rich Franklin!

Known for his aggressive Muay Thai style and skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (he holds a black belt, fyi), Brandon Vera had a combined record of 8-7, 1 no-contest in his 9-year stint in the UFC. He kicked off his UFC career with a 4-0 run, which included a 69-second destruction of ex-champion Frank Mir.  

The Truth and The Ace.

Vera, who once described his MMA career as 'peaks and valleys' said that his fight in Manila this December 'will be the highest peak ever'. Winning his first ever match in One FC will make Vera the inaugural One FC Heavyweight Champion.

Mark your calendars!

“It’s a dream to become a champion in this organization," Vera stated. "From the very start of my career, I never handpicked my opponents I will fight anyone just to be the first One FC heavyweight champion and reign as long as possible."