The Joe Rogan Experience JRE MMA Show #117 with Marlon "Chito" Vera
Dec 15, 2021
Marlon "Chito" Vera, an Ecuadorian bantamweight UFC fighter, shares his incredible journey from childhood dreams to the octagon. He dives into the intense pressures of MMA, including the challenges of weight cutting and navigating toxic coaching. Vera humorously discusses his tattoo experiences and the emotional connections behind them. Topics like mental health in the sport and the ethics of steroids also emerge, alongside anecdotes about surfing nostalgia and celebrity encounters that round out the candid conversation.
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Childhood Fights
- Marlon Vera's early life involved fighting homeless kids for fun, showcasing his innate love for combat.
- This unconventional upbringing foreshadowed his future MMA career.
Farm Life
- Vera's father owned a farm where he worked as a child, instilling a strong work ethic.
- He enjoyed farm life and could happily return to it after retiring from fighting.
Formal Training
- Vera's first formal training was at 16, after a neighbor suggested it to channel his aggression.
- He committed fully, paying for a full month upfront, marking the start of his dedicated training.