UFC bantamweight Marlon “Chito” Vera believes he is on track for a title shot. The 135-pound division is one of the most competitive in the UFC, and Vera knows that with a win over Cory Sandhagen in his next bout on February 18, he’ll be in a strong position to push for UFC gold. Vera discussed his rise through the rankings on a recent episode of The MMA Hour.
“I know I’m going to be a world champion. Out of my heart, not just f****** talking, not just becoming a f****** influencer for beating somebody these days — I really believe deep down in my heart I’m going to be a world champion. I’m going to hold a UFC belt someday.
Marlon Vera Confident in Eventual UFC Title Shot
I’m in a rush? No dude, I’m f****** 30 years old. I just turned 30. I’ve got my best years ahead of me. Just keep doing what got you here, which is consistency, work. We all have a different path. Some people talk their way in. Some people kick their way in. It’s just a matter of time until I get the belt. The world knows it, I know the UFC knows it. I know it.
I do know for a matter of fact they f*** with me. I’m talking about the UFC, they like me. They do want me to hold the belt, so I’m like, why get all crazy? I’ve been handling my career pretty good. Winning, kicking ass, and whatever I ask, they give it to me. So we’re chilling.”
Vera continued, citing his mindset of self-reliance as a major feature of his surge through the bantamweight division.
“Never expecting anything from nobody but myself in this f****** beautiful life. I knew about this fight since pretty much a month after I beat Cruz. I asked Sean [Shelby], I saw him the APEX while I was on commentary, I was like, ‘Hey man, I don’t want to f****** break your balls, I’m probably guy No. 20 talking to you today, just tell me what you think is going to happen next. Let’s just have a conversation.’
I don’t like to go and ask the UFC for s***, because think about it: Everyday somebody calls and asks and says they want this, they want to negotiate, they want to renegotiate, I’m not like that. I like to earn my f****** bread. I just put people out, work my ass off, and keep going. So I went back to Sean Shelby and what I knew about this fight, he told me, ‘Really, my only opening right now is the February main event.’ I was like, ‘Sounds pretty sexy.’”
Is “Chito” right about his own future? Let us know in the comment.
