IN PHOTOS: Fil-Am Brandon Vera demolishes Paul Cheng in Manila
MANILA, Philippines – It took only 26 seconds for Brandon Vera to become ONE FC's heavyweight world champion Friday, December 11 at ONE: Spirit of Champions.
The Filipino-American knocked out Taiwanese-Canadian Paul Cheng in less than 30 seconds in the main event, going on the offensive from the bell and eventually landing a head kick to seal the deal.
Vera, 38, improved to 14-7 before an adoring home crowd, while Cheng, who accepted the bout on a 72-hour notice, announced his retirement hours after the loss.
Another Filipino Eugene Toquero charmed the crowd with his charisma from his walk to the cage and until after he scored a technical knockout victory over Chinese Li Wei Bin.
The rest of the Filipinos on the fightcard fell short as Mark Striegl suffered an upset at the hands of Reece McLaren; Ana Julaton lost via unanimous decision to Irina Mazepa; and Ruel Catalan was forced into submission in Round 1 by Alex Silva.
Check out photos from ONE Championship's year-end Manila event below!
CHAMPION. Brandon Vera hoists the inaugural heavyweight world championship after defeating Paul Cheng. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
26 SECONDS. Brandon Vera (left) busts open Paul Cheng and knocks him out in just 26 seconds. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
IT'S OVER. The referee stops the fight as Paul Cheng falls to the floor and Brandon Vera unloads a fury on him. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
PINOY PRIDE. Filipino Eugene Toquero punches his opponent Li Wei Bin several times in the head. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
STANDING TALL. Eugene Toquero stands tall inside the cage after scoring a TKO victory over Li Wei Bin. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
SPOILED RETURN. Filipino Ana Julaton returns to the cage from a one-year absence bloody and battered as she loses via unanimous decision to Russian Irina Mazepa. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
UPSET. Fil-Am Mark Striegl struggles against Australian Reece McLaren, who scores a major upset win via submission on a rear-naked choke in the final round. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
FIRST ROUND SUBMISSION. Filipino Wushu practitioner Ruel Catalan (in blue) is overwhelmed by Brazilian Alex Silva's grappling pedigree and waves the white flag after a knee bar in Round 1. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
– Rappler.com
