24 Apr Brandon Vera’s thoughts on Conor McGregor’s dispute with UFC
Brandon The Truth Vera
Brandon Vera Facebook Post
By: Brandon “The Truth” Vera
I have been asked a number of times about my thoughts on Conor McGregor’s dispute with the UFC.
First, I understand why many fighters may not like McGregor personally because of his promotional antics and some of the comments he has made about his fellow competitors. It did not sit well with me that Conor didn’t stand by Jose Aldo when the promotion threw him under the bus after Aldo’s injury. I cannot, however, be blinded by past events. The fact is McGregor’s current conflict with the promoter is a struggle we all share. When the dispute is between promoter and fighter—I already know what side I am on—the fighter. I am a fighter.
Conor is approaching perhaps the biggest fight of his career coming off of his first loss. I fully appreciate his desire and need to focus his energy on a successful training camp, and for wanting to limit and schedule his promotional obligations around that camp. Conor is a master promoter as it is—if he wants extra time in camp—how can anyone argue? As professional athletes, first and foremost, our obligation is to prepare and compete at our best. Conor is asking for nothing less, for having a say in the amount and timing of his promotional duties and this is something all fighters should sympathize with. Currently, this issue isn’t just McGregor’s, but all mixed martial artists who have no say in when or how they are promoted, and they receive no additional compensation for extra promotional obligations.
This is why I support Conor McGregor. This is why I think all fighters should support not just Conor but the MMAFA too. This why we are fighting against one-sided coercive contracts that prevent us from getting our market value. This is why we’re working to get the Ali Act extended to Mixed Martial Arts so we are protected from promoters forcing us to accept every demand they make and are able to enjoy a free market.
I’m doing this so McGregor and every fighter doesn’t have to put up with this in the future. If McGregor joins us that would be great. It would likely make this happen faster and easier if he did. But even if he doesn’t I’m still going to work for this because i believe every fighter deserves these things.
I look forward to the day a couple years from now when we’ve succeeded, and McGregor is signing the biggest contract in combat sports history. I will know I stood on the line and fought for this to happen, to improve the great sport of MMA and to better the plight of my fellow athletes. We are succeeding—we are already seeing changes. That, in my opinion, is no coincidence.
I hope Conor and every fighter recognizes our mutual interests.