Brandon Vera (Photo from UFC.com)

Mixed martial arts fighter Brandon "The Truth" Vera is in Manila for a series of promotional appearances.

This is the third time that Vera, a Filipino-American, has visited the country. He plans to stay in the country for at least a week.

Only last month, March 21, Vera suffered his third defeat in the hands of less known fighter Jon “Bones” Jones. It was his second loss since dropping a close fight to the legendary Randy Couture via a controversial unanimous decision November last year.

The 32-year-old vowed to bounce back into the ring as quickly as he can.

“Just because I’m down doesn’t mean we’re out. ‘Di pa ako tapos,” said he.

Although he is aiming to get back in shape soon, he admitted that he was advised against the idea by his doctors.

“I probably will not be able to spar or train again for another six weeks,” he disclosed.

According to reports, Vera had two plates inserted to his face to secure fractures he suffered on that loss to Jones.

In the same report, it was alleged that healing time for the procedure could take between four and six months.

“The surgery and the pain on my face is still bothering me right now,” Vera revealed.

Still, Vera is hopeful that he will, once again, be considered a contender—and, hopefully, very soon.

“I don’t think the climb up the ladder is still that far. It’s not out of my grasp. It’s not like, ‘Oh I’m done now.’ I can be back in title contention four fights from now.”

Vera’s last win came in August last year, when he prevailed over unheralded Krzysztof Soszynski by unanimous decision.

Vera so far has 11 wins under his belt—seven by KO, one by submission, three by decision. He has five losses in 16 fights.

Vera made it clear that he will remain in the light heavyweight division. He also mentioned plans to improve his game.

“I’m probably going to add more stuff, but I’m probably not going to change too much.”

Vera still has a couple of fights left in his contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) promotion company.

According to Wikipedia, Vera is the son of a Filipino father, Ernesto, and an Italian-American mother, Amelia. He was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia.