What happened in this episode?
Ariel Helwani speaks with UFC bantamweight Marlon “Chito” Vera after his UFC 331 win, focusing on the end of Vera’s recent losing run and what he says changed in his preparation. Vera describes the preceding period as mentally heavy, using vivid language about feeling as if he was “drowning”, while insisting he tends to keep stress private rather than sharing doubt with family. He says the bout felt like an “all or nothing” moment for him personally, adding that while he never announced retirement plans, another loss could have pushed him away from continuing.
Vera attributes the turnaround to rebuilding his training ecosystem: reconnecting with coaches he worked with earlier in his career, increasing rounds with high-level strikers and grapplers, and being more consistent with conditioning and nutrition. He also describes deliberately cutting distractions during camp, including putting his phone down and pausing hobbies.
The pair also discuss the finish and opponent Charles Jourdain’s post-fight comment that he “lost [his] eyesight” in the third round; Vera says he could tell Jourdain was hurting once clean shots landed. Away from the fight, Vera talks about bringing his children to events, his son’s enthusiasm for MMA and jiu-jitsu training at Art of Jiu Jitsu, and his friendship with fellow fighter Raul Rosas Jr, saying he will corner Rosas in Las Vegas. The interview ends with Vera looking ahead to a bout he says is scheduled against José Aldo in Ecuador on short turnaround.
