Marlon Vera To Be First Ecuadorian To Headline UFC Event

When Marlon Vera steps into the octagon on Saturday, he’ll be making history.

Vera (20-7-1) is headlining his first UFC card against Rob Font (19-5) in Las Vegas. Along with it being his first UFC main event, he’s also the first Ecuadorian fighter to headline in promotion history.

“Of course, this is huge for me,” Vera told MMA Junkie in Spanish.

“This is a golden opportunity for me and this is something I’m taking very seriously.

Vera was the sole Ecuadorian fighter in the UFC for many years before Michael Morales debuted in January. He’s also been congratulated by Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno of his UFC wins.

“The support has always been there and people have always been loyal to my work and they’re always connected,” Vera said.

The Ecuadorian is a two-fight winning streak with one unanimous decision victory over Davey Grant and one over Frankie Edgar by KO/TKO back in November.

Font, of Puerto Rico, is coming off a loss against former champion Jose Aldo, who Vera also lost to in December of 2020.

“This weekend, I know I’m going to put away Font,” Vera added.