LOS ANGELES - Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White had nothing good to say about Filipino-American Mixed Martial Arts fighter Brandon “The Truth” Vera during the post-fight press conference following UFC 89.
Brandon Vera, its like he lost something in that year off, White said. I don't know what it was. He doesn't have that killer instinct, he doesn't go after it. This kid was so cocky, and you know he wanted to fight everybody He was good. He was walking through heavyweights. He took that year off, did all that contract stuff, hasn’t been the same guy since.
White is referring to the young, hungry and undefeated Vera to the Vera now that has lost three of his last four fights since signing a large contract to join the UFC organization in 2007. Vera had a falling out with former manager Mark Dion that caused the former to miss considerable octagon time.
The chagrin of White followed the 31-year-old Vera’s lost by a split decision against Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine during UFC 89 held at The National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England last Saturday, October 18.
Wearing blue, yellow, red and white shorts, the San Diego-based Vera opened the first round hitting the ground when Jardine tackled him during the opening minute. Vera threw a few sharp elbows and opened a cut on top of Jardine’s head. He tried for a submission hold but Jardine did not relent. Jardine threw in a few ground and pound punches before the referee stood both fighters.
The action quickly continued. The two fighters traded flash knockdowns. Vera knocked down Jardine with a right uppercut but as he pursued the falling fighter, Jardine clocked Vera with a right hook to close out the round.
In the second round, the pace slowed considerably. Vera landed a straight left hand Jardine’s head to open the round and prevented Jardine from taking him down to the mat. Vera was able to clinch Jardine midway through the round and land a few knees before Jardine shook out of it. Vera dominated the round, landing a few solid kicks to Jardine’s rib cage by the end of the round.
In the final round, Jardine started quickly. Vera would pepper Jardine with a few leg kicks; however, Jardine was mainly the aggressor throughout the round. The “Dean of Mean” swung wildly at Vera, landing a few punches. Even though, Vera blocked some of the punches, it appeared that Jardine did enough to secure the victory.
The English fans booed as the fight was coming to an end.
Two of the octagon judges scored the bout 29-28 twice Jardine.
The loss drops Vera’s record to 9–3. (www.asianjournal.com)
(Published October 22, 2008 p.A1 LAMDWK)
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