(PRESS RELEASE) -- On 4 October, Coliseo General Rumiñahui in Quito will become a global center of combat sports as HYPE MMA hosts its first event in Ecuador, with
1xBet as the title sponsor of this historic occasion. Ahead of HYPE Fighting Championship Quito, fighters attended a press conference, answering journalists’ questions and giving fans an insight into the upcoming matchups.
Marlon Vera vs José Aldo: six-year wait for a rematchIn 2020, Marlon “Chito” Vera lost to José Aldo by unanimous decision, and the cagey nature of their bout left plenty of questions unanswered. The rematch promises to be more exciting and intense: this time, the fighters will compete under submission-only grappling rules with a 10-minute time limit. There will be no judges’ decisions; victory can only come by submission.
The action will unfold in Vera’s home country, and Quito’s high altitude could work in the Ecuadorian’s favor. The thin air, combined with a fast pace at the start, could pose a challenge for Aldo. The Brazilian will need to adapt quickly to avoid trouble.
After a string of setbacks, Vera overhauled his training approach, changed his management and coaching team, and pushed himself to the limit to prepare for a successful return in front of his home crowd.
Q: If you had the opportunity to get a rematch in the Octagon, who would you prefer — José Aldo or O’Malley?
A: 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.
Aldo is equally determined to win. Both fighters are ready to give it their all and put on a show for the fans.
Q: What were your thoughts when you decided to return to competition? Why did you accept it, and what was going through your mind?
A: 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.
Colby Covington vs Mayton Perea: American experience vs Ecuadorian talentThe former interim UFC welterweight champion will be a major test for Mayton Perea. The Ecuadorian has contested 12 professional MMA bouts, with nine wins and three losses, while Covington enters this grappling match almost two years after his last UFC appearance. The American’s experience competing at the highest level could prove decisive against his less seasoned opponent.
Q: What is the grappling match of the dream for you? Who is the guy who you want to see, like, the mostly in your life in a grappling match?
A: 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.
Perea is physically gifted and has a bright career ahead of him. He is preparing for his UFC debut, and a win over a veteran like Colby Covington would boost his confidence.
Q: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.
Quito showdown could shape MMA’s future in Latin AmericaA successful HYPE Fighting Championship Quito could help establish Ecuador as a regional hub for combat sports and encourage the UFC to consider holding an event in the country. The organization closely tracks audiences in different markets. A packed Coliseo General Rumiñahui would send a clear message: local fans love the sport and want to see the action up close.
The event will showcase the Ecuadorian market’s potential. That makes the upcoming card important for both the sport’s development and inspiring young people to take up martial arts.
Don’t miss the long-awaited Vera vs Aldo rematch under submission-only rules, and cheer on your favorite alongside title sponsor 1xBet.