On October 4, the Coliseo General Rumiñahui in Quito will become the epicenter of the global combat sports world. HYPE MMA will host its inaugural event in Ecuador, with 1xBet serving as the title sponsor for this historic occasion.
Ahead of the “HYPE Fighting Championship Quito,” the participating athletes attended a press conference, where they fielded questions from the media and gave fans a preview of the upcoming matchups.
Marlon Vera vs. José Aldo: A Rematch Six Years in the Making
In 2020, Marlon “Chito” Vera suffered a unanimous decision loss to José Aldo—a cautious, tactical affair that left many questions unanswered. This rematch promises to be far more intense: the bout will follow “submission-only” grappling rules with a 10-minute time limit. There will be no judges’ scorecards; the only way to win is by forcing a submission.
The match will take place in Vera’s home country of Ecuador, where the high altitude of Quito could prove to be a significant advantage for him. The thin air, combined with a high-paced start, may pose a challenge for Aldo, who will need to adapt quickly to avoid finding himself in a difficult position.
Following a series of setbacks, Vera has completely overhauled his training regimen, management team, and coaching staff. He has poured everything into his preparation, aiming for a powerful comeback in front of his home crowd.
Q: If you had the chance for a rematch inside the Octagon, would you prefer to face O’Malley or José Aldo?
A: Well, obviously, I have to talk about my fight with Aldo. At the time, I considered that the most important fight of my life. He was a former champion, and for me, it was a golden opportunity to make a name for myself—while I had put on some good performances before, I had never faced an opponent like Aldo. I prepared thoroughly; I was incredibly motivated and hungry for victory. As anyone who watched that fight knows, the first round was a tight, back-and-forth affair. In the second round, I began to gain the upper hand—and that was when I learned one of the most important lessons of my life, a lesson that ultimately paved the way for me to earn a shot at the championship title.
Aldo was just as determined to win. Both of us were fully prepared to leave everything in the cage and put on a spectacular show for the fans.
Q: What was going through your mind when you decided to return to competition? Why did you accept this fight, and what was your mindset at the time?
A: It felt completely natural to me. I have a great deal of respect for “Chito” (Marlon Vera). In the world of combat sports, he’s a friend of mine. We faced each other in the UFC years ago. As many have noted, he’s the one who truly put Ecuador on the map in the world of combat sports. The fact that we now see fighters like Mayton and Morales competing at the highest levels and representing Ecuador is, in large part, thanks to “Chito.” So, I hold him in very high regard. For me, this is a significant matchup—again, he’s someone I deeply respect. Returning to competition feels like second nature to me; I’ve been practicing Jiu-Jitsu since I was a kid—from blue belt all the way to black belt—competing almost every single weekend. Stepping into a grappling match, therefore, feels entirely natural. I’m here to give it my absolute all, and I hope everyone enjoys the match this Sunday night—I want everyone to walk away having had a great time. Colby Covington vs. Mayton Perea: American Experience Meets Ecuadorian Talent
The former interim UFC welterweight champion will serve as a major test for Mayton Perea. The Ecuadorian fighter enters the bout with a professional MMA record of 9-3, while Covington steps onto the grappling mats nearly two years after his last UFC appearance. The extensive experience the American has gained at the highest level of the sport could prove to be the deciding factor against a less seasoned opponent.
Q: What would your “dream” grappling matchup look like? Is there anyone in particular you’ve always wanted to face in a grappling contest?
A: No, not “Chito.” “Chito” is a friend of mine, and I really like him. We’ve competed on the same UFC cards several times. It’s an honor to share a stage with “Chito”—he’s a legend. He’s done so much for his home country of Ecuador; he’s the one who really put Ecuador on the UFC map.
I’m looking for the biggest, highest-profile matchups. I’m not here to tangle with newcomers or guys just starting out. I want the big names, you know? Someone like Sean Strickland—he’s talked a lot of trash about wanting to grapple with me. Or Paddy Pimblett, that kid from Liverpool—he’s always got plenty to say, too.
Perea is incredibly talented and has a bright future ahead of him. He’s currently preparing for his UFC debut; a win over a veteran like Colby Covington would be a massive confidence booster for him. Q: If you manage to win—or even secure a draw—in this fight, it would undoubtedly serve as a powerful statement before your official entry into the UFC. Given that this bout essentially functions as your “debut” in front of a UFC audience, how invested are you in this matchup?
A: I’m truly enjoying the journey. I’ve come a long way from having absolutely nothing, becoming the first fighter from Ecuador to train entirely within my home country and successfully reach the UFC. Now, I’m facing Colby Covington—a former UFC champion with elite-level wrestling, a true legend of the sport. I want to show everyone that I’m more than just a striker. People have seen my fights and know that I typically win by knockout (KO), but the truth is, I’m also…
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