Marlon Vera Tells Joe Rogan He Was Fighting Homeless Kids on the Streets

Published 12/17/2021, 7:23 AM EST

Several fighters have seen great adversities during their early MMA career. Many of them did not have the adequate resources to train properly. Yet they managed to overcome several setbacks. Something similar was the case with UFC fighter Marlon Vera. While he is doing great now, his early MMA career was ridden with difficulties.

In a conversation with Joe Rogan, Vera spoke about how he used to train earlier. He had no qualms in sharing how he trained during those difficult times. On ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, Vera revealed that no facilities were available for training.

‘Chito’ said, “Nothing. I was training on living rooms with mats. You move this table, you put mats and we go jab, cross, hook back and forth. There was nothing.”

Article continues below this ad

When asked about what motivated him to continue training, Vera said, “This is a crazy thing. This goes back to when I am a 4-year-old kid in Ecuador, in this town called Chone. I was fighting on the street, the homeless kids that they clean shoes for money or they sell like… cigarettes. My brother used to call these kids, give them a couple of bucks to fight me for fun.”

Even as a 4 or 5-year-old kid, Vera used to fight for fun. In fact, this was something that ‘Chito’ used to look forward to. Instead of playing soccer, he would prefer to have a street fight. Vera also said that he wasn’t an aggressive person while growing up, but he sure would be looking for a fight.

“I Have No Idea What Happened” – Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva Responds After Being Removed From Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC Main Event

What’s next for Marlon Vera?

Vera was last seen at UFC 268, facing Frankie Edgar. The 18-7-1 record holder successfully knocked out Edgar and won the bout. After a beautiful performance at Madison Square Garden, he will be high on confidence.

Article continues below this ad

While it is unclear whom he will next fight, a rematch against Sean O’Malley would be interesting. Both fought at UFC 252 and Vera emerged as the winner. However, as ‘Sugar’ has refused to acknowledge his only UFC loss, there is bad blood between them.

Hence, another bout would be really exciting. Who do you think is a good opponent for Marlon Vera?

Article continues below this ad

Watch this story: Tyron Woodley Net Worth: Five Biggest Cash Grabs In And Out Of The UFC

What do you think about Vera’s crazy street fights during his childhood? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Rohini Kottu is a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. She is also a Psychologist and has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Rohini, in her role as a UFC writer, combines her admiration for the mental resilience that MMA fighters have and her love for analysis.

Marlon Vera Tells Joe Rogan He Was Fighting Homeless Kids on the Streets

What’s next for Marlon Vera?

Trending

Michael Chandler Handed Sad Update on Conor McGregor Fight at UFC 303 – “He’s Not Going to Get Pay-Per-View Points”

“A MF Grabs Me” – Shaquille O’Neal Almost Came to Blows With UFC Star During Camp in Hawaii, NBA Legend Reveals Untold Stor

Violently Threatening Conor McGregor Takes a Bad Turn for 50 Cent as UFC World Condemns Rapper After Beef Resurfaces

“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flares Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator

Dana White’s Approval Backfires on Diego Lopes, Purse Withheld Along With Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300