Former Champion Brandon Vera Announces Retirement At ONE 164

Filipino-American mixed martial artist Brandon "The Truth" Vera has called it a career.

Following a heartbreaking first-round TKO loss to Iran's Amir Aliakbari at ONE 164 on Sa Saturday, December 3, the former longtime ONE heavyweight world champion announced his retirement in front of a packed crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

The two heavyweights squared off in a heated matchup that saw Aliakbari take Vera down and finish him off via TKO at the 3:37 mark of the opening round.

It was the 45-year-old Vera's third consecutive TKO defeat in as many bouts.

"Forgive me," Vera said during the post-fight interview. "Fellow Filipinos here and all over the world, I've been doing this for a long time, about 20 years now. But tonight, you just witnessed The Truth's last fight in MMA."

"I wish I could have taken home the win," he added, before revealing that he had broken his hand in the fight.

Vera could not help but get emotional, as he closed the book on his MMA career.

"I love you all, thank you for all the love you've shown me. I love you all, thank you for everything you've given me, MMA, ONE Championship. I'll be around," he continued.

Vera first made a name for himself as an up-and-coming heavyweight in the UFC in 2005, winning his first four bouts in impressive fashion, capped off by a TKO victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir.

Vera would taste defeat for the first time in his career at the hands of another former UFC titleholder in Tim Sylvia, prompting a drop to the light heavyweight division.

Vera would win his 205-pound debut but would win just three of his next nine bouts.

After back-to-back losses to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Ben Rothwell in a return to the heavyweight division, Vera would part ways with the UFC.

In 2014, Vera signed with ONE Championship and win his promotional debut against Igor Subora.

The following year, Vera knocked out Paul Cheng in just 26 seconds to become the promotion's inaugural heavyweight champion.

Vera would successfully defend the title twice against Hideki Sekine and Mauro Cerilli, before dropping back down to light heavyweight to challenge then-champion Aung La N Sang for the ONE light heavyweight championship.

He would lose to Aung La N Sang by TKO, marking his first loss under the ONE banner.

In 2021, Vera would return to the ONE circle to defend his heavyweight title against former UFC standout Arjan Bhullar.

The Indian-Canadian wrestler would be the first man to dethrone Vera and capture ONE's heavyweight strap.

Vera leaves the sport with a 16-10-1 professional record, with 11 of his victories coming by way of knockout.