Vera-Rua showdown up

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Brandon “The Truth” Vera hopes to rely on his excellent grappling and kicking skills as he goes up against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in a light heavyweight showdown at the Octagon Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) in Los Angeles.

The 34-year-old Vera, with a record of 12-5-0, is thrilled to be facing a fighter he considered as one of his heroes.

“I have always wanted to fight him,” said Vera, born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia to Filipino father Ernesto, and Italian-American mother Amelia.

Now based in San Diego, California, Vera has been proud of his Filipino heritage and visited the country several times. He has become an inspiration to several local mixed martial arts fighters who dream of making it big in the future.

Proline Sports Center hopes to help bring this dream to fruition by bringing in authentic UFC products into the country. The Official UFC Fight Gloves, the only glove approved to be worn by UFC fighters in the Octagon, are now available at Proline Sports Center stores.

More UFC and martial arts gears are coming soon in the same sports stores.