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In the biggest fight of his career, Ecuadorian bantamweight Marlon "Chito" Vera delivered in highlight-reel fashion, scoring a fourth-round knockout of former UFC and WEC champion Dominick Cruz.
The bout headlined Saturday's UFC on ESPN 41 event at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
Cruz, typically a quick starter, was aggressive at the opening bell, pushing forward with a high kick and then adding punches behind. Cruz's movement-based style was on display early, and he even scored a brief takedown, though he was unable to secure top position. As Cruz was gaining momentum, Vera did grab his attention by dropping him with a left hand, briefly slowing the assault, though not for long.
Late in the frame, Cruz scored another takedown, but he was forced to back away when Vera threatened with an armbar shortly before the bell.
Cruz was again aggressive to start the second, stringing together punching combinations while also chopping at the legs. Vera would counter when his opponent would stay in the pocket, but Cruz didn't remain stationary all too often. Instead, he remained the more active fighter in terms of movement and punching volume, mixing up his targets between the body and the head.
Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports
