Vera battles unbeaten Japanese foe in One's PH return

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By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Brandon Vera's One heavyweight title defense is on!

Vera will take on undefeated Japanese opponent Hideki Sekine in the main event of the MMA promotion's return to the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, the One: Age of Domination on Dec. 2.

Almost a year after Vera became the inaugural champion in the heavyweight division following a quick knockout of Chinese Taipei's Paul Cheng at the said venue, Vera will once again headline the second Philippine hosting of a One Championship event as he goes for his first defense of the said belt.

Sekine, however, is no ordinary foe as he boasts a 7-0 MMA record, all but one coming by way of stoppages, and ruled Japanese-based DEEP before recently joining One, making his debut with the said outfit against Vera.

Meanwhile, Mark Striegl will also make his return to the One Championship cage as he graces the co-main event of the fight card, battling Brazil's Rafael Nunes.

On the other hand, five pugilists from the renowned Lakay stable will see action as well.

Geje Eustaquio takes on Finland's Toni Taoru, Honorio Banario locks horns with India's Rajinder Meena, Edward Kelly battles Indonesia's Sunoto, April Osenio fights Chinese Taipei's Jenny Huang, and Danny Kingad trades strikes with crowd favorite Eugene Toquero in an all-Filipino battle.

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