(L-R), MMA Legend Rich Franklin, Mark “Mugen” Stiegl, Joshua Pacio, Eduard “Landsline” Folayang, One Championship Heavyweight Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera, Gretchen Ho during the One Championship open work out on Tuesday September 27, 2016 at Mall of Asia Music Hall. Noy Morcoso lll/INQUIRER.net
For Brandon Vera, settling here in the Philippines moves him closer to achieving his dream of imparting his knowledge on mixed martial arts to his countrymen.
“I’m really excited to teach here. MMA can change an entire world. Alam mo talaga ang hirap, alam mo yung struggles, alam mo ang lahat. For me to come here, teach, and help the sport flourish, I’m super excited,” he said.
And the reigning ONE FC Heavyweight Champion is happy to be a part of the open workouts on Tuesday at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
READ: Mark Muñoz excited to share passion, talent with Filipinos fighters
Together with MMA legend and ONE FC executive Rich Franklin, and Filipino fighters Mark Striegl, Eduard Folayang, and Joshua Pacio, Vera took the spotlight as they taught the audience the basic rules of MMA.
They also called up five volunteers on the mat, teaching them simple ways of self-defense.
“I want people to become brave and understand their situation,” said Vera, hoping this could draw more people to the sport.
READ: Vera wins inaugural ONE FC heavyweight title
Vera said that he still is concocting more programs to bring the MMA to the Filipinos in hopes of discovering more aspirants to follow their footsteps.
“I wanted to come here and put our roots for our training center. That’s what I want to do, give back to the Philippines and create world champions here.”