Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is a professional MMA athlete and UFC fighter who competes in the bantamweight division, hailing from Ecuador.
Marlon Vera made his MMA debut in 2010 in Quito Fight Club and made his professional UFC debut in 2014 against Marco Beltran, having first graced our screens on season 1 of TUF Latin America.
Here is everything you need to know about the fan-favorite bantamweight contender, from his record and roots to his most impressive highlights and physical attributes.
Marlon Vera: Record, Division, and Highlights
Marlon Vera currently boasts a professional MMA record of 23 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw heading into UFC 299 this weekend.
Competing in the bantamweight division, Vera’s most notable highlights include knockout wins over Sean O’Malley, Frankie Edgar, and Dominick Cruz, as well as decision victories against top-tier fighters like Rob Font and Pedro Munhoz.
Nationality, Place of Birth, Fighting Gym, and MMA Style
Hailing from Chone, Ecuador, Vera proudly represents his Ecuadorian heritage on the global MMA stage.
He has honed his skills at the RVCA Training Center in California, a renowned gym known for producing elite-level fighters under the tutelage of Jason Parillo.
Vera’s fighting style is characterized by his expertise in grappling techniques and powerful kicks, making him a formidable opponent on the ground, against the cage, or on the feet.
Age, Height, Weight, and Reach Stats
At the age of 31, Marlon Vera stands at 5’8” tall, competes in the bantamweight division at 135 lbs, and has a reach that spans 70 inches.
When Did Marlon Vera Start Training MMA?
Marlon Vera embarked on his MMA journey at the young age of 16 and was driven by a passion for combat sports, with the ultimate goal of competing in the UFC.
What Was Marlon Vera’s Job Before UFC?
Before ascending to the pinnacle of the MMA world, Marlon Vera dedicated himself to the pursuit of excellence. His singular focus on fighting led him to devote time and energy solely to his training regimen, with the additional responsibility of assisting his father in various capacities.
Family
Marlon Vera finds strength and support in his loving partner Maria Paulina Escobar, with whom he shares the joys and responsibilities of parenthood – together, they are the proud parents of two daughters and a son.
Marlon Vera on Instagram
Fans can connect with Marlon Vera and stay updated on his latest endeavors by following him on Instagram at @chitoveraufc.
Walkout Song
As Marlon Vera makes his walk to the octagon, he sets the tone for battle with some of his previous walkout songs being “Where You Come From” by DJ Khaled feat. Buju Banton, and “Spanish Town Rockin'” by Chronixx.
Marlon Vera and Zach Bryan
‘Chito’ takes inspiration from a variety of sources including country star Zach Bryan, with Vera linking up with the musician in 2023 ahead of his UFC 292 clash against Pedro Munhoz.
Vera told UFC News how he likened Bryan’s career in music to his own in MMA: “He was just putting music for fun out there and all of a sudden it went viral and good for him. That’s like, ‘Oh, I got balls, but I don’t know how to fight.’ And, all of a sudden, you win a UFC fight. That’s pretty much the vibe he gave me. He just went and put a couple of videos out and went viral.”