Vera eyed for Manila bout; Liddell struts stuff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world’s biggest fight organization, hopes to feature Fil-Am Brandon “The Truth” Vera in one of the fight cards when it brings its act to Manila next year.

“The plan is to bring some of our stars, maybe Brandon Vera, here and then hopefully have some local Filipino fighters and some from Japan and South Korea,” UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta yesterday said in a press conference at ABS-CBN offices in Quezon City.

Fertitta, who bought the UFC seven years ago and made it a multi-million business right now, arrived in Manila early Sunday with legendary fighter Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, a former light heavyweight champion, for a three-day promotional trip.

Liddell impressed thousands of fans when he conducted an open workout with personal trainer Ian Parkinson at the SM Mall of Asia last Sunday.

“The fans were great, I’d love to fight here someday,” said Liddell, one of the most charismatic and popular fighters in the UFC today.

Fertitta was also overwhelmed by the fans’ reception.

“I have to say I can’t believe how passionate the fans are. When we went to the Mall of Asia yesterday (Sunday), we had an incredible turnout, everybody recognizes Chuck Liddell,” said Fertitta. “We love the Philippines, the UFC wants to come here and put on a great show and become part of its sports industry.”

Vera has a current 9-2 (win-loss) fight record, slowly getting back to his old form in a bid to improve on his UFC ranking. He is set to fight light heavyweight contender Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine in UFC 89 in Birmingham late this year.

“He’s a great fighter, it will be an exciting match,” said Liddell of Vera.   – Joey Villar