Marlon Vera keeps it real on the possibilities when facing a veteran like Frankie Saenz.
UFC on ESPN+ 6 takes place tonight from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and streams entirely on ESPN+. In a preliminary bout, the younger Marlon Vera meets veteran Frankie Saenz at bantamweight.
Vera, 26, and Saenz, 38, both bring two-fight winning streaks into the bout. For Vera (12-5-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC), it’s been a pair of finishes, while Saenz (13-5 MMA, 5-3 UFC) has come away with back-to-back decisions. If Vera wants to realize his eventual dream of becoming UFC champion, he knows this is a fight he cannot lose.
But as Vera explained this week during an appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, he’s also keeping it real.
“Definitely his prime is done. That doesn’t mean he cannot beat me, catch me with something or just (expletive) me up for 15 minutes,” Vera said. “I keep it real. It’s still a fight. When I say I keep it real, he’s an old man, and he’s got less chances than I. So I have to fight smart, go in there and put on a performance. Because now is my time. … I’m still young. I haven’t reached my prime. I’m only 26.”
Watch the video above to hear more from Vera on the matchup, towing the line between being a savage fighter and setting an example for his three kids, getting through some stressful times and the longest camp of his career, and more.
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 6, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
MMA Junkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, Brian “Goze” Garcia and Dan Tom. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio. You can also check out www.siriusxm.com/siriusxmfightnation.
