Marlon Vera ends 4-fight slide, sets UFC bantamweight knockdown record

Marlon Vera bounced back from a four-fight losing skid with a dominant performance at UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, stopping Charles Jourdain and setting a new UFC bantamweight record for knockdowns in the process.

Vera entered the matchup as a +200 underdog against the favored Jourdain, who had won three straight since moving down to bantamweight in 2024. Despite his reputation as a slow starter, Vera accelerated his pace earlier than usual and forced the action late in the first round. The Ecuadorian fighter found his rhythm in the second, landing the first knockdown. He ramped up the offensive assault in the third round, putting Jourdain down twice more—the second dropping him for the third time overall, a new record for knockdowns in UFC bantamweight history. As Vera continued his onslaught, Jourdain curled up defensively and gestured that he had taken enough punishment, effectively conceding the fight.

Vera (23-12) had struggled through 2024, dropping four consecutive bouts before this clash. Jourdain (18-8) came in riding a hot streak with three wins and matching performance bonuses. In his post-fight interview, Vera emphasized his resilience and work ethic, crediting his faith and immigrant mentality for powering through the difficult stretch. "I have never made excuses," he said, noting that he continued grinding in training despite the losing streak. The victory marked Vera's first finish in four years, a significant statement after months of adversity.