5 fights that could be next for Marlon Vera

#4. Marlon Vera vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili has a record of 14-4

As mentioned previously, Merab Dvalishvili will fight Jose Aldo this Saturday. While Aldo will become the number one contender with a win, the reverse may not be the case for Dvalishvili who doesn’t have the name or the resume of Aldo's. If Dvalishvili wins, a fight against Vera could make sense.

Should Saturday play out as mentioned above, both Vera and Dvalishvili could well be one win away from the title fight they both desire. A match-up between the two would also ensure a fresh new championship challenger for the UFC.

The fight would be a typical striker vs. grappler affair. For those wondering how it might play out, Dvalishvili’s next bout with Aldo will likely provide some clues.

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#3. Marlon Vera vs. T.J. Dillashaw

T.J. Dillashaw has a record of 17-4

In truth, if Dvalishvili turns a typical workman-like victory over Aldo, Vera would likely be closer to a title shot than the Georgian. If O’Malley is also unable to make the number one contender’s spot his own, Vera’s next fight could conceivably be for the UFC bantamweight championship.

In this scenario, he could end up fighting T.J. Dillashaw, who will try to re-claim the 135 lbs strap against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280. Should Dillashaw win in a fashion that does not merit an immediate rematch, that would then pave the way for an intriguing title fight between him and Vera.

While a number of results would have to fall into place to facilitate this one, what a match-up it would be. The proud hard-working Ecuadorian finally getting his chance at gold against the three-time champion and former drug cheat in Dillashaw would be an incredible story.