Brandon Vera Wins by Knockout!

Unknown December 12, 2015

"26 of 1". Sounds a lot like your usual coffee mix but it's not. It's actually 26 seconds of round one. That's how blazing fast Fil-Am fighter Brandon "The Truth" Vera demolished his opponent via knockout, to win the inaugural ONE Championship heavyweight title, Friday night at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. Taiwanese fighter Paul Cheng, was a last minute replacement for the originally slated Chi Parry Lewis.

Meanwhile, fast-rising Fil-Am fighter Mark Striegl figured in a major upset as he was handed down his career's second loss via tap out in the 3rd round of his One Championship debut. Similar to Brandon Vera's original opponent, Mark Striegl's victorious opponent Reece McLaren was also a short-notice replacement for Australian fighter Jordan Lucas.

Both fights may be a case of not taking chances against overconfidence attitude. It is clear that 'The Truth' was well focused on his fight whether it was against Chi Parry Lewis or a replacement like Paul Cheng. Mark Striegl on the other hand may have underestimated his replacement opponent who came in with a 7-4 win-loss record.

It's hard to speculate. I guess when fight night comes, fighters need to concentrate not only against their opponent but the fight in general. Remember, it's always you against the other guy in the corner.