Marlon Vera is one of the most well-reputed faces in the UFC. The Bantamweight fighter is known to fans for his superb durability. Vera has never been knocked out or submitted in his professional career, which contains 28 fights currently. Many consider him to be one of the best in the UFC in terms of all-around control over the fight game. ‘Chito’s’ last fight was on August 14 of this year at UFC Fight Night versus the famed Dominick ‘The Dominator’ Cruz. He also secured a TKO victory over his opponent in the fourth round of the bout.

Recently, an old video of Vera surfaced on Reddit. Which showcased the heartbreaking reason why Vera had to join the UFC. Many would agree that the video was a really emotional one which even showcased ‘Chito’ in tears.

What compelled Marlon Vera to get into the UFC?

‘Chito’ was a cast member of the coveted show, The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America in the year 2014. He also went on to win his quarterfinal bout against Henry Briones via an outstanding knockout. But fate took its toll on Vera, as he was forced out of the semifinals due to a skin infection. The surfaced video showcased Vera from his pre-UFC days when he was all set to make a debut.

It showcased him describing the prime reason why he was desperate to get into the UFC. Only hardcore MMA fans will know that Vera‘s daughter, Ana Paula, suffers from a disease called Moebius Syndrome. It’s a rare neurological disease that hampers the muscles controlling facial expressions. Vera broke down amid the video quite a few times.

‘Chito’ Vera talked about his broken stage, saying, “I’m a bit tired, but I was strong. And I did it”. He broke down in tears after saying this.

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Later, one of his mates made an attempt to console him and make him stay motivated. He said, “Relax. She’s your inspiration, right? That’s a very unique moment. She’s your daughter.”

Vera had never seen his daughter smile

In the next seconds of the video, Vera revealed his plans once they inducted him into the UFC. Vera stated with moist eyes, “The first thing I’ll do once I’m in the UFC is pay for my daughter’s surgery”. He spoke in his native language throughout the entire video.

The Ecuadorian also revealed an appalling fact that many would find absolutely unimaginable. He stated, “I have never seen her smile, and that’s why I am working here”.

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Smiling is a facial expression that Vera‘s daughter was unable to exhibit due to the disheartening disease she was diagnosed with. Most fathers would find it difficult to go on even for a day without their little ones’ giggles. Vera‘s agony was incomparable in this regard.

‘Chito’ finally got her daughter’s surgery completed in June 2018 and got her back to a normal stage. Vera had previously described the first smile of his daughter would be, “the best thing that’s ever happened in my life,”.

As of now, he had achieved the feeling and is looking for more accolades in the future.