Marlon “Chito” Vera is an Ecuadorian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Born on December 2, 1992, in Chone, Ecuador, he started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 16 after getting into street fights as a teenager.
Vera holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and currently resides in Irvine, California, with his wife and children.
He made his professional debut in 2011 and went 8-1-1 across the Latin American regional circuit before joining the UFC.
He appeared on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America and won his only TUF fight against Henry Briones via knockout.
Vera has had a successful UFC career, winning several fights, including a Performance of the Night award against Roman Salazar and a Fight of the Night award against Rob Font.
He is ranked #4 in the UFC Bantamweight division. He has faced notable opponents such as Frankie Edgar, Dominick Cruz and Sean O’Malley, and has been involved in several high-profile fights.
Net worth
Vera has an estimated net worth of $4 million.
As a UFC fighter, he earns a base salary for each fight, which is typically in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 per bout.
Vera also receives performance bonuses for notable performances, such as knockouts or submissions, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
For example, his knockout win over Roman Salazar earned him a Performance of the Night bonus of $50,000.
Vera has partnered with several brands, including Venum, TCL Electronics, Jaxxon, and Industrial Presquera Santa Priscilla.
These partnerships generate additional income through advertising, promotional appearances and product endorsements.
His social media presence and fighting skills make him an attractive endorser for various brands. Vera’s fight purses have increased significantly over the years, reflecting his growing popularity and success in the UFC.
His purses for high-profile fights like against Frankie Edgar and Dominick Cruz have been reported to be in the range of $100,000 to $200,000 per bout.
As a UFC fighter, Vera earns a percentage of the revenue generated from the sale of his merchandise, such as T-shirts, hats, and other apparel. He also receives royalties from the use of his image and likeness in various media, including video games and documentaries.
Vera has invested in various business ventures, including a gym in Ecuador and a clothing line. These ventures contribute to his overall net worth by generating passive income and diversifying his financial portfolio.
Endorsement deals
Vera’s endorsement deals with brands like Venum, TCL Electronics, Jaxxon and Industrial Presquera Santa Priscilla plays a significant role in his overall income and net worth.
These partnerships likely involve various forms of compensation, such as royalties, appearance fees and promotional activities.
Venum, as a UFC-partnered brand, provides fight kits and apparel to UFC fighters, with athletes typically receiving a percentage of the sales from their merchandise. For Vera, this could translate into substantial earnings annually.
TCL Electronics, a global electronics brand, may have a multi-year endorsement deal with Vera, involving payments for promotional appearances, social media endorsements, and other marketing initiatives. Such contracts often amount to six-figure sums over the contract duration.
Jaxxon, a luxury watch brand, likely provides Vera with watches to wear during fight week and promotional events. Endorsement deals with companies like Jaxxon often include free products and a share of the sales generated through the athlete’s association with the brand.
Vera’s partnership with Industrial Presquera Santa Priscilla, an Ecuadorian fishing company, may involve payments for representing the brand in his home country and on social media. Regional endorsements like this can create additional revenue streams for athletes.
Furthermore, Vera’s substantial social media following, with over 500,000 Instagram followers, enhances his value to these brands.
Sponsored posts and stories on his platforms can generate significant income, with top UFC fighters earning substantial amounts for such promotional content.
Career
Vera started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 16 after getting into street fights as a teenager.
He holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and currently resides in Irvine, California, with his wife, María Paulina Escobar, and their three children.
Vera made his professional debut in 2011 and went 8-1-1 across the Latin American regional circuit before joining the UFC.
He appeared on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America and won his only TUF fight against Henry Briones via knockout.
Vera has had a successful UFC career, winning several fights, including a Performance of the Night award against Roman Salazar and a Fight of the Night award against Rob Font.
UFC record
Vera’s UFC record is a testament to his successful career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With a total of 23 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw, he has consistently demonstrated his skills and adaptability in the octagon.
Vera’s 23 wins in the UFC include a mix of knockout, submission, and decision victories.
He has showcased his versatility by winning fights through various means, from devastating knockouts to technical submissions and grueling decisions.
This diverse skillset has allowed him to adapt to different opponents and situations, making him a formidable opponent in the bantamweight division.
On the other hand, Vera has lost 8 fights in the UFC, including a mix of knockout, submission, and decision losses.
These losses have come against top-level opponents, and Vera has often pushed these fighters to the limit, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Vera has also had 1 draw in the UFC, which was against Rob Font in 2020.
This draw was a closely contested fight that could have gone either way, highlighting Vera’s ability to compete at a high level against top opponents.
Throughout his UFC career, Vera has been involved in several notable fights, including bouts against Frankie Edgar, Dominick Cruz and Sean O’Malley.
These fights have showcased Vera’s skills and adaptability, as well as his ability to learn from his losses and improve his game.
As of April 16, 2024, Vera is ranked #4 in the UFC Bantamweight division, reflecting his consistent performance and success in the octagon.
His impressive record and ranking make him a top contender in the division, and he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.