The Joe Rogan Experience JRE MMA Show #117 with Marlon "Chito" Vera
Dec 15, 2021
Marlon "Chito" Vera, an Ecuadorian bantamweight UFC fighter, shares his incredible journey from childhood dreams to the octagon. He dives into the intense pressures of MMA, including the challenges of weight cutting and navigating toxic coaching. Vera humorously discusses his tattoo experiences and the emotional connections behind them. Topics like mental health in the sport and the ethics of steroids also emerge, alongside anecdotes about surfing nostalgia and celebrity encounters that round out the candid conversation.
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UFC Unpopularity in Ecuador
- When Vera told his dad he wanted to be a UFC fighter, his dad was confused, as UFC was not popular in Ecuador.
- This reflects the challenges of pursuing an unconventional career path in an environment with limited exposure.
Exploitative Coach
- Vera's first MMA coach exploited him, taking 50% of his earnings after convincing him it was standard practice.
- This experience taught Vera a valuable lesson about the importance of protecting his interests.
UFC Call
- Vera received a life-changing call from the UFC while driving, almost causing him to crash.
- This call offered him a spot in the Ultimate Fighter, coinciding with his dad's ultimatum to find a real job.