Former ONE heavyweight world champion Brandon Vera teases return to action

Brandon Vera, the once proud ruler of ONE Championship’s heavyweight division, could be back inside the circle in just a few short weeks.

In an Instagram post, Vera shared that he’s working out in preparation for a potential comeback:

Trainer Ray Chargualaf posted Vera working the mitts, with the caption reading:

“Four weeks out. S&C [strength and conditioning] to mitt work. Lanai Chronicles.”

Brandon Vera was the inaugural ONE heavyweight world champion and reigned atop the division for 1,982 days from December 2015 until May 2021. The Filipino-American star has four wins inside the circle, all of which ended in the first round.

He had an outstanding debut, sending Ukraine’s Igor Subora to the nether realm at ONE: Warrior’s Way in December 2014. Vera’s second fight in the promotion would be his coronation, when he obliterated Paul Cheng at ONE: Spirit of Champions in December 2015 in front of a rabid Philippine crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 6-foot-3 slugger then had two successful defenses of the ONE heavyweight world title against Hideki Sekine and Mauro Cerilli. Vera’s one-shot knockout of Cerilli at ONE: Conquest of Champions in November 2018 in Manila was one of the most iconic moments in the division’s history.

‘The Truth’ knocked out Cerilli with a crisp left hook 1:04 into the first round, sending the Mall of Asia Arena into a frenzy.

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Brandon Vera continues to work outside the circle

Although he’s been without a fight since 2021, Brandon Vera never let up in his training.

Vera, who’s now based in Guam, works religiously with Chargualaf while also being a father to his son Atreyu.

The 45-year-old has often posted on social media the training regimen that Chargualaf puts him through, while keeping him busy for his nearing return.

“Super Shout out to @frankthecrank and Coach @raychargualaf for getting it in this am. 300 each leg, all power, just an early am sesh. Next is 500 each,” posted Vera on Instagram.

Despite his tight training schedule, Vera still found time to return to his roots and fly to the Philippines to spend some family time with his son.