07:19:2008
Brandon Vera Victorious in Debut at Light Heavy
Brandon Vera made his UFC debut at light heavyweight as well Saturday, but his fight didn’t unfold anything like that of his Brazilian counterpart. Vera had a tough time against the gritty Reese Andy, but he won a unanimous decision.
However, the two combatants fought in spurts, and their actions inside the Octagon left much to be desired. By the midway point of the second round, the mostly filled Pearl Concert Theater was littered with boos and jeers as the crowd begged the two to pick up the pace.
In the end, Vera’s speed and overall athleticism paved the way toward victory, 30-27 (twice) and 29-28. He accepted the win, especially since it halted his two-fight losing streak, but he admitted that it wasn’t the best performance of his life.
“The 205 cut was a little bit more tough than I thought,” Vera said afterward with a sigh. “But I’m happy where I’m at. I’ll do whatever the UFC needs me to be at: heavyweight or 205.”
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