MANILA, Philippines – “Rookie” mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Jon “Bones” Jones will have his first real test in the Octagon against seasoned Fil-Am fighter Brandon “The Truth” Vera in UFC Live: Vera vs Jones this coming Sunday (Monday in Manila).

“This is Jon Jones real test,” said MMA commentator Joe Rogan in a UFC promotional video, describing Vera’s status as a top-flight MMA fighter.

“Brandon Vera is world class. He has fantastic muay thai, he has a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he has a wealth of experience including fighting tough guys… stuff that Jon Jones doesn't have,” added Rogan.

Among Vera’s past opponents include MMA legend Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia and Frank Mir.

He has compiled 11 wins in 15 fights. Although he lost 4 of those bouts, most of them were close fights.

“So it's gonna be very interesting to see how Jon Jones reacts to this high level opponent in front of him,” said Rogan.

The Fil-Am earlier acknowledged Jones potential as a fighter, especially after the New York-based fighter manhandled veteran wrestler Matt Hamill.

“But he hasn't fought anybody like me yet,” said Vera.

Jones, who has an MMA record of 9-1, viewed Vera’s challenge as a chance to advance in the UFC.

“You could possibly be the first guy to test me, you could possibly not. Brandon said I haven't fought anyone. Who am I to say that Hamill wasn't good enough,” he said.

“You gotta take your steps, keep climbing that ladder, keep taking names. I want to get to the title, I wanna fight the best strikers. Every time you beat someone who is supposed to be better, you elevate, in a way.”

The two will be fightingit out at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado.

Other fights on March 20’s UFC Live include, Junior Dos Santos vs Gabriel Gonzaga; Cheick Congo vs Paul Bentellol; Alessio Sakara vs James Irvin; and Clay Guida vs Shannon Gugerty.

For more UFC action, watch Balls on SkyCable’s Channel 34.

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