Brandon Vera: The Truth is You Talk Too Much

By E. Spencer Kyte (espencerkyte@mmaratings.net)

I’ve been trying to do my best “journalist” impersonation lately, writing quality articles without any personal opinion or feelings entering into the equation. This isn’t going to be one of those articles.

Pictured is the shining moment of Brandon Vera’s career as an MMA fighter, a first round thrashing of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. That was November 2006.

For a guy who hasn’t done much in the last three years, Brandon Vera sure does talk a lot of shit.

While I’ve was never a fan of Vera’s in the first place, he’s climbed to the top of my least favorite fighter list thanks to all the additional media attention he’s received heading into his fight at UFC 102.

When he first burst on the scene, Vera was viewed as a future champion. He took things one step further, stating he would be champion at both heavyweight and light heavyweight some day.

An 8-0 start and pummeling of a former champion will do that to you.

Since then, the truth is that “The Truth” hasn’t beaten anyone of consequence, while losing to Keith Jardine, Fabricio Werdum and Tim Sylvia.

Additionally, despite what they tried to tell you on Countdown to UFC 102, Vera didn’t decide to drop down to 205; the UFC told him it was in his best interest. Those two things are very, very different.

And still, there he was running on at the mouth as if he has been beating legends this whole time, saying things like, “If you get in the ring with me, it’s a wrap” and “I’m on fire, son.”

When the hell does beating Mike Patt qualify as being en fuego? The same goes for the win before that too, as Reese “Riptide” Andy doesn’t rank in the upper echelon of talent either.

Way to go Brandon, you’re last two wins are over guys who are a combined 0-4 in the UFC. Super.

What makes it all the more special is that Vera still holds to his belief that he will be the heavyweight and light heavyweight champion simultaneously.

I’m all for positive thinking, but why not temper that with a little humility from time-to-time?

Or start with getting one belt?

Or a win over someone of note for the first time in three years?

I’m just throwing it out there.

Hopefully, my man Krzysztof keeps the ball rolling and leaves Brandon Vera looking up at the lights.

Otherwise, I’m going to have to listen to more of his braggadocio bullshit and I don’t know how much more I can take.