Ahead of the show, fighters took part in a press conference, answering questions from journalists and giving fans a preview of what’s coming on fight night.
Vera vs Aldo: a rematch six years in the making
Marlon “Chito” Vera and José Aldo first met back in 2020, a cagey fight that ended in a unanimous decision win for Aldo. This time around, the pair was set to meet again, but under a different format: submission-only grappling rules with a 10-minute limit, meaning there’s no judges’ scorecard to fall back on; only a submission decides the winner.
With the fight taking place in Vera’s home country, the thinner air, paired with an expected fast start, may put pressure on Aldo to adjust quickly or risk falling behind early. Vera, for his part, has reworked his training setup since his last few results, bringing in a new coaching and management team as he prepares for what he’s treating as a statement fight in front of a home crowd.
If you had the opportunity to get a rematch in the Octagon, who would you prefer, José Aldo or O’Malley?
Well, obviously, first I have to talk about my fight with Aldo. I think that, at the time, it was the biggest fight of my life. He was a former champion, and for me it was a huge opportunity to make a name for myself because I had already been having some good fights, but I had never fought anyone like Aldo. So I prepared a lot. I was extremely motivated and really hungry for it. And as everyone who watched the fight knows, the first round was pretty close. In the second round, I started to build some momentum, and that’s when I learned the biggest lesson of my life, a lesson that ultimately helped me get to a title fight.
What were your thoughts when you decided to return to competition? Why did you accept it, and what was going through your mind?
For me, it feels completely natural. I have a lot of respect for Chito (Vera). He’s a friend of mine in this sport. We fought many years ago in the UFC, and as people have already said, he’s someone who really put Ecuador on the map in combat sports. If today we’re seeing Mayton and Morales rising to the top and representing Ecuador, a lot of that is thanks to Chito. So I have a great deal of respect for him. For me, this is a big match. Like I said, he’s someone I respect a lot. Coming back is normal for me. I started in jiu-jitsu when I was a kid, competing almost every weekend, from blue belt all the way to black belt. So competing in a grappling match feels very natural to me. I’m here to do my best for you, and I hope that on Sunday night you enjoy the match and everyone leaves happy.
Covington vs Perea: experience meets local talent
Former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington takes on Ecuadorian fighter Mayton Perea, who holds a 9-3 professional record for 12 fights. Covington, returning to competition nearly two years after his last UFC bout, enters as the more experienced name, and that gap in high-level experience could play a deciding role against a less tested opponent.
What is the grappling match of the dream for you? Who is the guy who you want to see, like, most in your life in a grappling match?
Nah, not Chito. Chito’s my friend. I love Chito. We’ve shared many cards together. It’s always an honor to be on the same card with Chito. He’s a legend. What he’s done for the country, Ecuador, he put you guys on the map in the UFC.
I want the biggest and best matches I can get in hype. I didn’t come here to go against guys that are just starting out. I want big names, you know? So I want guys like Sean Strickland. He’s been talking some shit, saying he’d grapple me. You know, I want a guy like Paddy Pimblett. He’s been talking a lot of shit, that little scouser.
If you somehow win this fight or even get a draw, it would be a huge statement before entering the UFC. How focused are you on this match, considering that in some way it’s your introduction to the UFC audience?
I’m here enjoying the process. I came from nothing to become the first Ecuadorian who trained 100% in Ecuador to make it to the UFC. And now I’m facing a legend like Colby Covington, a former UFC champion with tremendous wrestling. What I want to show is that I’m not just a striker. People have seen my fights and know that I usually win by knockout, but I’m also a multiple-time national champion in Olympic wrestling, and I’ve been involved in that sport for 12 years. So testing myself against someone like Covington is a great opportunity for me. It can definitely be a strong introduction, and of course we’re going there to win, but also to put on a show for Ecuador.
A bigger picture for MMA in Ecuador
Beyond the individual matchups, a strong turnout in Quito could help position Ecuador as a potential hub for combat sports in the region, something the UFC, which keeps a close eye on audience interest in different markets, would likely take note of. A full arena at Coliseo General Rumiñahui would be a strong signal that local demand for the sport is real.
Organizers see the event as a chance to show what the Ecuadorian market can offer, both for the sport’s growth in the region and for inspiring a new generation of local fighters.
Fans can catch the Vera-Aldo rematch under submission-only rules, along with the rest of the card, with 1xBet serving as title sponsor for the event.
