UFC 249's Vera 'definitely concerned' about fighting amid pandemic
Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.
Warning: Story contains coarse language
Marlon Vera would be lying if he said he had no worries heading into his UFC 249 bout against Ray Borg.
The bantamweight said he's "definitely concerned" about fighting April 18 amid the coronavirus pandemic, but he's doing what he has to do to provide for his family.
"If I stay at home, we don't make money," Vera told theScore on Wednesday. "The bills are still coming at home. ... The money doesn't make money by itself. You have to go out and make it."
However, that's not to say Vera entirely feels forced to compete at UFC 249 amid a global pandemic.
"I fucking love to fight," Vera said. "I can't be sitting down. If I'm able to train, if I'm able to make sure I'm in shape, I can fight anytime."
"Chito" said he'd been constantly texting UFC president Dana White about a potential fight for a while, but that the Borg matchup was only finalized Monday.
Vera said he has used his home gym to stay in shape. Since finding out he was officially on UFC 249, he's trained at the Team Oyama gym - which Vera said is only open to people with upcoming bouts - with his coach Colin Oyama and UFC flyweight Alex Perez. He's also trained with his striking coach, Jason Parillo, at his home.
"To me, it's the same, whether it's three months in advance or two weeks in advance," Vera said. "It's a fight. It's all about where you're at in preparation. ... I feel prepared, and I will find out on Saturday night."
Vera admitted there are risks involved with fighting during the COVID-19 pandemic, no matter what safety measures the UFC takes. But he trusts the promotion will implement the proper precautions.
"There is a risk, but the UFC is top of the notch," Vera said. "So I'm pretty sure we're gonna be tested for the coronavirus, I'm pretty sure we're gonna be isolated. I'm pretty sure it's only corners and that's it - I'm pretty sure we can't bring teammates or anything. I'm guessing it's going to be super restricted. They're gonna make sure we're fine and nothing happens. I'm pretty confident in the UFC."
Another concern surrounding the UFC putting on events amid the health crisis is that fighters compromise their immune systems for a short period of time by cutting weight - which could make them more at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Vera said he weighed 149 pounds Wednesday morning. He's a fairly large bantamweight, but he's confident he'll make the weight and won't put himself in danger.
"I've been pretty cautious with myself," Vera said. "I've been eating right, putting all the vitamins I can to stay healthy. The weight cut is gonna compromise a lot of people."
White has refused to reveal the new location of the event, but it will reportedly take place at a casino resort on tribal land in California. Vera said he doesn't care about the location.
"I always make sure I get my backpack ready, and on Monday, I will drive somewhere - or fly somewhere," Vera said.
"Honestly, the weird thing is, I have no concerns at all," he continued. "In my head, on the 18th, I have a fight. I know my opponent, so it works for me. If they put me in a car and they drive me to the venue without knowing where I'm gonna go, it doesn't matter to me. I know I'm gonna get into a fight, and that's it."