UFC 239 Fight Card Update: Marlon Vera gets new opponent

It’s better late than never for Marlon Vera (13-5-1), who has finally found an opponent for this weekend’s UFC 239 event.

“Chito” was originally scheduled to face highly touted prospect Sean O’Malley, however ongoing issues with USADA prevented this bout reaching the Octagon. Vera displayed his frustration with O’Malley in an interview on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show.

“Let’s be real. If you test positive, you fucked up” an annoyed Vera said. “If you test positive, it’s your fuckin’ fault. You’re dumb. Go fuck yourself. You fucked up.”

Vera last competed in March, where he knocked out veteran Frankie Saenz in less than 90 seconds. It seems as if the 26-year-old is entering his prime; his three straight finish wins illustrate the lengths he has grown since last losing inside the cage.

Despite his frustrations, he is now set to remain on the card and will be welcoming newcomer Nohelin Hernandez to the big show. That’s according to a recent report by MMA Fusion.

Hernandez boasts a professional record of 9-2 and enters this short notice bout having previously competed for Bellator, LFA, and CFC. He rides a four-fight win streak and will be hoping this momentum carries him to victory July 6.

Hernandez was not the first person called upon, as it was made public knowledge yesterday that Drako Rodriguez was approached by the UFC to fill the vacancy against Marlon Vera. However, his promotion, King of the Cage (KOTC), refused to release him from his contract.

UFC 239 will take place on Saturday, July 6, and will air exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States.

See the updated UFC 239 fight card below.