Marlon Vera Bio
Marlon Andrés Vera Delgado, born on December 2, 1992, is an Ecuadorian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by his ring name “Chito,” Vera has established himself as a formidable competitor with a record of 23 wins and 11 losses as of 2023. He currently trains at the RVCA Training Center and resides in Newport Beach, California.
Early Life and Background
Marlon Vera was born in Chone, Manabí, Ecuador, into a middle-class family. He has an older sister and brother. During his youth, Vera was known for causing ruckus and getting into street fights. At age 16, after moving to Guayaquil, he began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which laid the foundation for his future MMA career.
His early exposure to martial arts was pivotal in redirecting his energy towards professional fighting. Vera earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which has been a significant aspect of his fighting style. Details about his formal education are not publicly noted.
Path to MMA
Vera began training as an amateur mixed martial artist in 2011 and made his professional debut in February 2012. He competed primarily in regional Latin American promotions, compiling a record of 8–1–1 before gaining wider recognition. In 2014, he participated in The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America, representing Team Werdum and advancing to the quarterfinals before a skin infection forced him to withdraw.
This exposure helped Vera transition to the international MMA scene, culminating in his UFC debut later that year. His early career was marked by steady progress and notable victories that showcased his submission skills and striking power.
Marlon Vera Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
Starting his professional career in 2012, Vera fought in various Latin American regional promotions, quickly establishing himself with an impressive record. His grappling and submission abilities earned him several wins, setting the stage for his entry into the UFC. His participation in The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America in 2014 was a significant milestone, providing him with exposure to a broader audience and higher competition levels.
Although he was forced out of the semifinals due to a skin infection, Vera’s performance on the show demonstrated his potential and readiness for the UFC’s competitive environment.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–Present)
Vera made his official UFC debut on November 15, 2014, at UFC 180 against Marco Beltrán, losing by unanimous decision. He rebounded with a submission victory over Roman Salazar in August 2015, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Over the following years, Vera competed in both the Featherweight and Bantamweight divisions, showcasing versatility and resilience.
Notable victories include a TKO win over Brad Pickett in 2017, a front kick knockout against Frankie Edgar in 2021, and a knockout of Dominick Cruz in 2022, each earning him Performance of the Night honors. Vera has also earned multiple Fight of the Night awards, reflecting his exciting fighting style and competitiveness.
He has faced top contenders such as José Aldo, Sean O’Malley, and Cory Sandhagen, maintaining a position among the top-ranked bantamweights. As of October 2025, Vera is ranked #8 in the UFC bantamweight division.
RVCA Training Center Era (2021–Present)
Since joining the RVCA Training Center, Vera has continued to refine his skills and compete at a high level. His recent performances include a unanimous decision win over Pedro Munhoz in 2023 and a competitive rematch against Sean O’Malley for the UFC Bantamweight Championship in 2024. Despite a loss in that title fight, Vera remains a prominent figure in the division.
His training environment and team support have contributed to his sustained success and ability to compete against elite fighters. Vera’s career momentum continues as he prepares for upcoming bouts and remains a fan favorite for his aggressive and technical fighting style.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Marlon Vera is known for his well-rounded skill set, combining effective striking with high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His black belt status in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu underpins his submission victories, while his striking power has led to multiple knockouts. Vera excels in both stand-up exchanges and ground fighting, adapting his strategy to his opponents effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Vera’s career highlights include multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses, a testament to his exciting and effective fighting style. His knockout of former champion Dominick Cruz and his front kick knockout of Frankie Edgar stand out as career-defining moments. Vera’s resilience and ability to compete at the highest level have made him a respected figure in the UFC bantamweight division.
Marlon Vera Career Wins
Throughout his career, Marlon Vera has accumulated 23 professional wins, including 8 by knockout, 10 by submission, and 11 by decision. His victories span regional promotions and the UFC, reflecting his growth and adaptability as a mixed martial artist.
UFC Highlights
Vera’s UFC tenure features several standout wins, including his submission victory over Roman Salazar, TKO against Brad Pickett, and knockout of Dominick Cruz. His ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground has earned him recognition and multiple bonus awards. Vera continues to be a consistent threat in the bantamweight division’s competitive landscape.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Vera compiled an 8–1–1 record in Latin American regional circuits. His early career showcased his submission skills and striking, which laid the foundation for his success at the international level.
Marlon Vera Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Vera’s family background beyond his siblings are limited. He was raised in a middle-class family in Ecuador and has credited his upbringing for shaping his character and determination in the sport.
Personal Life
Marlon Vera is married to María Paulina Escobar. They have three children: two daughters born in 2011 and 2018, and a son born in 2015. Vera’s eldest daughter has Möbius syndrome, a rare neurological condition, and Vera has actively supported fundraising efforts for her surgery. He also has a sponsorship deal with Pepsi, which has increased his visibility in Ecuador.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Vera was scheduled to fight Mario Bautista at UFC Fight Night 256, but the bout was moved to UFC 316 and later canceled due to Vera’s withdrawal. Despite this setback, Vera remains an active competitor with a strong presence in the bantamweight rankings. His recent fights demonstrate his continued competitiveness and readiness to challenge top contenders in the division.
Vera’s training at RVCA Training Center and his experience position him well for future success as he aims to secure another title shot. His resilience and fan-friendly style ensure he remains a key figure in the UFC bantamweight landscape.