MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American mixed martial artist (MMA) Brandon Vera is preparing himself to face a “younger version” of himself in Jon “Bones” Jones as they headline UFC Live: Vera vs Jones on March 21 in Broomfield, Colorado (March 22 in Manila).

The 32-year-old Vera said Jones, who is 10 years his junior, is “dangerous”.

“What Mr. Jones has done to the people he's been given, he's been blowin' into those people… he's for real,” said the seasoned MMA fighter in a UFC promotional video.

Jones (9 wins, 1 loss) has been on a winning streak in the UFC, compiling 3 victories against Jake O'Brien, Stephen Bonnar and Andre Gusmao.

He, however, was disqualified while punishing Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter® Heavyweights FINALE for two distinct downward elbow strikes.

“It's hard to gauge how good he is just because he destroyed the people he had so quick,” said Vera (11 wins, 4 losses). “But he hasn't fought anybody like me yet.”

The Fil-Am said he’s been training himself like he’s facing MMA pound-for-pound king Anderson Silva to cover everything Jones has to offer.

“I'm going for worst case scenario. We're just gonna get in best shape and be ready to go through a dog fight for 3 rounds,” said Vera.

UFC commentator Joe Roggan actually described the New York-based Jones as a younger version of Vera.

“With Brandon Vera, how does he deal with a young Brandon Vera? A guy who’s basically in the same condition that Brandon Vera has been 4-5 years ago?” he said.

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