Getting fired can be an infuriating experience. However, Brandon Vera is living proof why one should never go out in a blaze of glory. UFC president Dana White has confirmed the company has rehired the light heavyweight amidst Thiago Silva’s sticky situation.
After hanging a lopsided unanimous decision victory on the Filipino-American at UFC 125, Silva confirmed he failed his drug test but denied any wrongdoing. While the Nevada State Athletic Commission awaits the return of his B-Sample, Vera was issued a new lease on life.
“He has [been brought back],” White told MMAFighting. “Brandon Vera is back in the UFC.”
It’s clearly a win-win situation; Vera gets to resume his career inside the Octagon, while the UFC’s clothing catalog won’t be as awkward with Vera’s face plastered all over it anymore.
The 33-year-old was considered one of the sport’s top up-and-comers after his shellacking of Frank Mir at UFC 65 in November 2006. Vera was then involved in a bitter contract dispute with the world’s premier MMA promotion.
After an 11-month hiatus, he returned to post a disappointing 3-6 Octagon record. The Muay Thai specialist was perfect through his first eight professional mixed martial arts scraps, but currently holds a 11-6 record overall.
“The Truth’s” match against Silva is still officially listed as a ‘Loss,’ however could get overturned to a ‘No Contest’ depending upon the result of Silva’s second sample.