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First-time dad Brandon Vera reveals he cried when his son was born
Reigning ONE heavyweight world champion Brandon Vera has a newfound source of motivation as he and wife Jessica welcomed their baby boy Atreyu Timothy into the world last month.
The Filipino-American is a first-time dad at 42 years old, and it is just now that he realized what everybody has been talking about fatherhood.
“I can’t describe how Atreyu was born just like I can’t describe what it’s like to win in the ONE Circle. It’s two peas in the same pod, no words would ever do that justice,” Vera said.
“There was one moment when Atreyu first came out, I was in such joy that I threw my arms up in the air and looked straight up at the ceiling and started crying and smiling, thinking, ‘Wow, this is what everyone talks about,’” he added.
The proud father took to Instagram to share photos of his family with their new bundle of joy.
“It is easier to wake up. I can agree with this statement. I feel more motivated. I get tired less. I don’t know how and why, but that happened,” he said.
Vera is looking to make it back to the winner’s circle following his last outing against two-division champion Aung La N Sang, when he suffered a second-round technical knockout in his bid to capture the ONE light heavyweight world title last October.
His next assignment is a title defense of his ONE heavyweight gold against fellow ex-UFC fighter Arjan Bhullar in a yet to be determined date and venue.
And make no mistake about it, Vera remains laser-focused in successfully defending his title even while enjoying his time as a father.
“Everybody keeps saying priorities change, I am not of that same mindset. Family has always been number one for me,” he said.
“I have been waiting for a long time to change diapers, feed the baby, and train with my child in the gym. All plans are still the same. We’re the world champ, we act accordingly and we keep our title until we decide it is time for the next step.” —MGP, GMA News
