MANILA, Philippines—Brandon Vera can count the moments in his life that have left him speechless.
First was taking a victory inside the ONE Championship cage, and the other was welcoming his son Atreyu Timothy into the world.
Vera announced the birth of son to the world last month and the already energetic heavyweight champion found himself another source of motivation.
“I can’t describe how Atreyu was born just like I can’t describe what it’s like to win in the ONE Circle. It’s two peas in the same pod, no words would ever do that justice,” said Vera. “There was one moment when Atreyu first came out, I was in such joy that I threw my arms up in the air and looked straight up at the ceiling and started crying and smiling, thinking, ‘Wow, this is what everyone talks about.’”
Vera is an accomplished mixed martial artist having competed both in the UFC and ONE Championship. He became ONE’s inaugural heavyweight champion in just his second fight in the company when he knocked out Paul Cheng in just 26 seconds.
And being a career MMA fighter takes a lot out of one’s day, but Vera has additional motivation with his son always waiting for him to come home.
“It is easier to wake up. I can agree with this statement. I feel more motivated. I get tired less. I don’t know how and why, but that happened,” said Vera.
“Everybody keeps saying priorities change, I am not of that same mindset. Family has always been number one for me. I have been waiting for a long time to change diapers, feed the baby, and train with my child in the gym. All plans are still the same. We’re the World Champ, WE act accordingly and WE keep our title until WE decide it is time for the next step.”
Vera (16-8) was on a four-fight winning streak in ONE Championship before that run got stopped by Aung La N Sang in their light heavyweight title class.
Aung La N Sang, who also holds the middleweight championship, stopped Vera with punches 3:23 into the second round of their October 2019 bout.
Apart from his loss to the Burmese Python, Vera also has to look out for new challenger Arjan Bhullar but a bout has yet to be finalized.
Vera, though, would rather look on the positive side of things and be inspired as a father to Atreyu Timothy.
“Honestly, I re-realize I’m a father every day I open my eyes and see him. Being a father is not only a very important path in life, it’s also a very serious one for me where my teachings and actions will and can help mold Atreyu into a person to help this world,” said Vera.