Henry Cejudo’s participation in UFC 292 may be in jeopardy due to a shoulder injury. However, Marlon Vera ensures he will be in Boston on August 19, regardless of whether he competes against the former champion.
Vera confirmed his readiness on The MMA Hour on Wednesday, “From my side, everything is set — the contract is signed, I am in top form, training regularly, and my team is great,” he expressed. “We’re prepared and raring to go.
“I’m not the sort to dig into the details — I honestly don’t care. If he signs the contract and shows up on August 19, fantastic. If not, it doesn’t bother me. Someone else will step in, and it doesn’t matter who it is.
“No matter who I face on August 19, I’m ready. I’m determined and disciplined to turn out their lights. I’m excited, and whoever steps up that day will be stopped. I hope it goes ahead. I’m not sure about his injury, and I won’t speculate unless I know the facts. But you should know that, from my side, all is sorted.”
The UFC announced the potential bout between Cejudo and Vera on Monday, following a verbal agreement. However, Cejudo’s participation on August 19 hinges on the state of his shoulder, to be determined by an upcoming doctor’s visit.
Vera expressed his willingness to compete in any forthcoming event against any other contender if Cejudo can’t participate.
“I’m primed and ready… just get me on a plane and secure my pay,” he declared.
“The fight with Cejudo is a significant one,” he later noted. “I’d like to see that happen. But he seems to be playing around. After a hiatus, he returned, took on Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288, and didn’t perform well in the fight. So, if it’s him, fine. I believe it’s an excellent matchup, and it would put me back in the title contention, where I believe I belong.”
Cejudo, who lost a split decision to Sterling, momentarily contemplated retirement again. However, he soon reversed his stance and challenged Sterling’s long-term training partner, Merab Dvalishvili. An injury to Dvalishvili’s hand put a damper on that potential matchup, leading to the announcement of Vera as a possible contender.
Vera’s last match, a split decision loss to Cory Sandhagen, ended his four-fight victory run, which was highlighted by a knockout of former champion Dominick Cruz. Nonetheless, he feels a title shot is still within his grasp.
“I’m the kind of fighter who could vie for the belt any day,” he asserted. “So, I’m not disheartened at all [after the loss]. I’m extremely motivated and eager to prove myself, to confirm that I’m better than I’ve ever been. To show that I can become a world champion. Let’s see if he steps up to the challenge, or if his injury is genuine. If he’s truly injured, he needs to recover. But, let’s see how things unfold.”
