Nothing is going to take Brad Pickett off the UFC London card.
If it was any other fight night, perhaps ‘One Punch’ would have felt it unwise to accept a late opponent switch-up and opt out of competing.
Although, to be fair, that probably wouldn’t have happened either.
But next Saturday night is a far more significant evening than any other fight night in Pickett’s career as it is the one on which he will leave his gloves in the centre of the Octagon, bringing an end to a 13-year fight career.
The Londoner cursed his luck earlier this week when he discovered that his opponent for next weekend’s retirement fight, Henry Briones, had withdrawn from their bantamweight clash.
All I can say is FML 😔
— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) March 9, 2017
Don't worry everyone I'll be there march 18th #STANDARD 💪🏻
— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) March 9, 2017
It was the third time in the past year that Briones was forced out of a meeting with Pickett but the prospect of a hometown farewell was always going to be too tempting for Pickett to turn down and he has accepted a short-notice opponent change.
The veteran will now fight Ecuadorian 135lber Marlon Vera at UFC London, which will take place at the O2 Arena next Saturday.
On just 7 days notice! @chitoveraUFC steps in to face @One_Punch at #UFCLondon. pic.twitter.com/yVbgjkbrAL
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 11, 2017
Vera, who most recently competed at featherweight, will give up a serious experience edge to Pickett, who made his MMA debut when Vera was just 11 years old.
“I owe it to myself to retire in my hometown” Pickett said late last year. “That’s where I started fighting and they only go to London once a year so for me, I wouldn’t want to wait another year. I don’t have it in my age or in my body for another year to pass.
“I want to get in on this March card and hand in my gloves and pursue other ventures.”
The event will be headlined by a light heavyweight meeting between England’s own Jimi Manuwa and Corey Anderson, as both men aim to move into title contention at 205lbs.
