Marlon Vera credits new training approach for UFC 331 turnaround
The Ecuadorian believes changes to his coaching team helped him rediscover his creativity and composure against Charles Jourdain.
Marlon Vera is back to winning ways. On Saturday, the Ecuadorian stopped Charles Jourdain by TKO at UFC 331 to snap a four-fight losing streak and win his first bout since 2023.
After bouncing back in Los Angeles, Vera revealed that a different approach to his training camp played an important role in his performance. During his preparation for the matchup, "Chito" brought back two coaches from his past and joined forces with the Rosas family.
Marlon Vera Changed His Approach Ahead of UFC 331
Vera entered UFC 331 in need of a victory. The Ecuadorian fighter was riding a four-fight losing streak, the longest of his UFC career, and began to question some aspects of his preparation, prompting him to make changes before facing Jourdain.
Rather than relying exclusively on the team he had been working with, Vera brought two coaches from his past into camp and combined their experience with his work alongside Raul Rosas Jr. and his family. Speaking at the post-fight press conference at UFC 331, Vera explained that he simply wanted to give himself an opportunity to see what a different approach could produce.
"I want to keep my job," Vera said. "I'm healthy. I feel strong. Nothing has changed in that matter, it's just I was making myself a lot of questions. That's why this camp I brought two of my coaches from the past, joined forces with the Rosas', and I just told myself I'm going to give myself a chance to see what I can do with a different look."
The decision to make changes came after Vera's four-fight losing streak, the first time he had lost four consecutive fights in his UFC career.
Marlon Vera Felt More Creative Against Charles Jourdain
The different approach to his camp appeared to translate into Vera's performance against Jourdain. After a competitive opening round, the Ecuadorian increased his pressure and eventually stopped the Canadian in the third round. Looking back at his performance, Vera believes the changes made a difference, particularly in the mental aspects of his game.
"I work too hard for this, so tonight I just fought like my life depended on it and moving forward I felt the changes work," Vera said. "Mentally, I was more creative, I was more in the moment and I felt great."
The victory improved Vera's professional record to 24-12-1 while snapping his four-fight losing streak. The former title challenger will now look to build on his first victory since defeating Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292 in August 2023.
