Marlon Vera picked up a statement win against Dominick Cruz in the main event of UFC on ESPN 41.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion got off to a quick start, blitzing Vera (20-7-1) with punches and getting in and out. However, the power of Vera was also apparent, as "Chito" dropped Cruz (24-4) despite getting outstruck most of the round. "The Dominator" would stay out of any danger and easily control Round 2. The tide would turn as Vera would land his best punch of the fight in the third round, an overhand right that dropped Cruz, and battled back into the main event.