Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Marlon Vera questioned everything during his recent struggles inside the Octagon.

Marlon Vera has struggled since a loss to then-UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley at UFC 299. Following a unanimous decision title fight loss to O’Malley in their UFC 299 rematch, Vera has lost three consecutive fights and is out of the bantamweight Top 15 for the first time in years.

Vera will look to right the ship when he faces Charles Jourdain at UFC 331 later this month. The card is headlined by a rematch between UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja.

Vera’s current skid is the longest of his career by a considerable margin, and the UFC fan favorite hasn’t won consecutive fights since 2022. Dealing with unprecedented adversity, Vera’s mental strength has been tested, as he recently admitted ahead of his return.

Marlon Vera opens up on ‘depressing’ losing skid ahead of UFC 331

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Vera was asked about the mental toll his recent struggles have taken on him.

“It’s pretty s—–. It’s hard, man. It’s depressing. It hits you where it matters the most. I don’t even really know how to express it,” Vera admitted.

“You put so much into it. You’re trying so hard and you fail. Then you say, ‘OK, let’s get back on the horse. I’m a tough person. I’ve got to keep my chin high.’ And then you fail again, and you fail again.

“You get to the point where it’s like, ‘OK, I’m not ever going to succeed again. This is just not working for me.’” Vera continued. “Then you go into yourself and you’re like, ‘What’s wrong? What am I doing wrong?’”

If Vera is victorious at UFC 331, he could potentially return to the bantamweight Top 15. In the meantime, recent work with Raul Rosas Jr. and his new team might’ve paid massive dividends.

What is your prediction for Marlon Vera vs. Charles Jourdain? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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