Former ONE heavyweight champion Brandon Vera hinted at the possibility of coming back in the Circle sometime in the second half of year 2022.
While beaming with pride for the division's achievements and competitors, Vera is taking his sweet time in an extended break before waging war once more.
"It's really an exciting time to be part of ONE Championship and I promise that I will be back in the ONE Circle soon. I can imagine that being in the third or fourth quarter of this year, but you bet, I am looking forward to ramping up my training again," said Vera.
The 44-year-old Filipino-American icon last saw action in May 2021 where he suffered a second-round technical knockout defeat against Arjan Bhullar, now the reigning heavyweight champion.
Prior to Bhullar, Vera tested his wares against Aung La N Sang in the light heavyweight division but also absorbed a second-round TKO.
With the emergency of strong contenders in the division, Vera said the talent pool in the promotion "just keeps on growing" and felt thrilled for being part of that.
"The heavyweight division is moving right along with the interim title and it shows that the division waits for no one. I'm excited to watch the heavyweights go," said Vera, who held the heavyweight belt for over five years since beating Paul Cheng in December 2015.
"As for me, I will be back and I can’t think of doing anything else other than reclaiming what is rightfully mine."
Bhullar, for his part, has not seen action as well since taking down Vera.