Marlon “Chito” Vera was looking to snap a three-fight skid in the co-main event of UFC Mexico City, where the Ecuadoran star and former title challenger took on Mexico’s own David Martinez.
Vera’s troubles dated back to his UFC 299 title fight with Sean O’Malley; Martinez rode a nine fight win streak into the bout, and hadn’t lost a fight since early in his career with Combate Global.
Chito Vera started the dance with a high kick blocked by Martinez that was quickly returned by two low kicks from the home fighter. Vera had a much improved open to the first round than he has had in the past in regards to volume, but David Martinez quickly found an edge in the striking. The young Martinez got to the chin of the veteran in Vera, with two hooks and an uppercut, getting on his bike, circling Vera with jabs and straights before finding a trip takedown to emphasize a strong first round.
Vera came forward in the start of round two, landing a kick up the mid section and ultimately finding a power right to slightly landing through the block of Martinez. Martinez quickly followed with a hook to the body and a straight up the middle as the striking started to heat up. Vera landed a short elbow in the pocket before Martinez was back to circling the veteran in Vera, using his speed advantage to pull in and out landing jabs and kicks to Vera. Towards the end of round two, Vera landed his best strike of the fight, a high head kick flush to the button of Martinez, quickly responded by with Martinez with a trip to bring Vera to the ground. Able to build back up to his feet with an up-kick, Vera began storming forward, building momentum, landing a clean switch high kick through the guard of David Martinez. Martinez found himself slightly desperate, shooting a double leg that was quickly denied by Vera as a tight round came to a close.
In round three, Vera continued off his improvements towards the end of round two, walking down Martinez, landing a few power shots on a much slower David Martinez compared to round one. Martinez kept his movement live despite being weathered, though ultimately Vera followed Martinez into the deep waters of the round where the Ecuadorian began landing strikes with ease. With about thirty seconds left in round three, Marlon “Chito” Vera poured the gas on late, landing a clean hook that stunned the Mexican striker. Vera begun to turn the tides as the fight clock expired, but again went to the judges in enemy territory.
Mexico’s David Martinez was awarded with a unanimous decision victory, as “Doctor” moves to 14-1 and likely will be ranked as high as #9 come Monday. On the other side, Marlon “Chito” Vera drops to 23-12-1 with four consecutive losses in the UFC.
Official Result: David Martinez def. Chito Vera by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
