Vera Explains Coaching Changes Ahead Of UFC 331

Marlon Vera returns to the cage Saturday on a four-fight losing streak, but the veteran bantamweight says a coaching shakeup and a return to his roots have him ready for Charles Jourdain at UFC 331.

Vera told reporters at Wednesday's media day that he has reunited with former coaches and linked up with the Rosas camp to bring his kickboxing back into focus. "I'm pretty excited. I'm feeling ready," he said, per MMA Junkie. "My body is healthy and more than anything, all these changes that I have done, it's not like I'm going to learn 30 more techniques. There's not really secrets in the game, right? But what I definitely did was bring back weapons that I used to use in the past, like bring more of my kickboxing, not just heavy pressure with big hands."

Vera Takes Responsibility For Slide

The Ecuadorian fighter made clear he owns the recent results and is not pointing fingers at his old coaching staff. He explained that after trying hard to make the prior setup work, he decided it was time to change course. "That's why I have never blamed, and I never will blame a coach or a training partner for my failure," Vera said. "I always, as a man, and as a man that works as a team, when I win, we all win. When I lose, we all lose."

Vera acknowledged that Saturday's bout with Jourdain is the ultimate proving ground for the new approach. "Whatever I did, whatever I say, doesn't matter," he said. "On fight night, I will see myself what I got."

UFC 331 takes place Saturday night with Vera and Jourdain on the main card.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Marlon Vera is ready to break four-fight losing run at UFC 331