Marlon Vera fights Dominick Cruz video highlights

Watch Marlon Vera vs. Dominick Cruz full fight video highlights from the main event of UFC San Diego, courtesy of the UFC and other outlets.

UFC San Diego took place August 13 at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Calif. Red-hot contender Marlon Vera (20-7-1) took on former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz (24-4) in the night’s main event. ESPN and ESPN+ broadcast the fight live.

Catch the video highlights below.

For more information on Vera vs. Cruz check out Mike Heck’s live blog at MMA Fighting.

Round 1: Joe Martinez has the arena fired up and we’re off and running.

Cruz blitzes in with a high kick, followed by a multi-punch combo. Vera hits a jab. Cruz responds with a punch combo. Cruz is fumbling a lot during this first round and then lands a strong leg kick. Vera gives Cruz a body kick and Cruz knocks his opponent to the ground. He then resets. Vera sits him down with a big left hand and Cruz recovers quick.

Cruz is a smart man and manages to land a combination. The former champ fakes a takedown, Vera doesn’t fall for it and Cruz goes to the body. Final 90 seconds of the round and a “Chito” chant is heard, much to the chagrin of the Cruz fans in the building. Cruz blitzes back in with a near 10-punch combination that had some effect before Cruz lands a beautifully timed takedown. Final 30 seconds left in the round, Cruz lands a couple of hammer fists. Vera throws up a triangle, almost gets an armbar, and Cruz is back to his feet. Couple of leg kicks from Cruz and the close round ends. Knockdown is the difference, in my eyes. MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 for Vera

Round 2: Cruz continues with the activity and Vera lands a short counter right hand. Cruz blocks high kick, “Chito” does not miss front kick. Vera replies right back and Cruz lands hard combination.

Halfway through the round and a hard leg kick from Cruz lands, front kick to the body counter from Vera. It is amazing to witness the movement and footwork of Cruz against Vera. Good left hand up top from Cruz, Vera lands with more impact behind it that sends Cruz moving backwards momentarily.

Cruz with a body kick and a right hand, both blocked from Vera. Takedown attempt defended by Vera with 20 seconds to go. 17 Round ends. MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 for Cruz, 19-19 overall

Round 3: This is when Cruz really starts to get going, typically in his fights so this will be a very interesting third round.

Cruz lands a powerful, heavy leg kick and follows it up with an aggressive flurry. Then, he backs up and resets. Vera is looking for a front kick in the middle. Cruz scores with a leg kick, before Cruz sits down with a double right-hand jab.

Cruz tries to fake a takedown, almost taking a left from Vera. Halfway point of the round and Vera is starting to find his range a bit more, landing a hard one, two. Cruz shoots for a takedown. Vera sprawls out and responds with a left-hand. Final 90 seconds of the round, Vera lands a left hand, Cruz moving well and just misses with a left hook.

Striving ahead is Cruz, who hits the body and shoots in Vera. Vera gets separation, lands a jab and throws a kick up high before the horn sounds. MMAFighting scores the round 10-9, and the fight 29-28 overall for Vera

Round 4: Cruz shoots from far away, Vera sprawls, Cruz lands a left hand and fakes another takedown. Cruz’s right hand lands on Vera’s cheek, and Cruz is then dropped by “Chito”, who drops Cruz with another jab.

Three knockdowns for Vera thus far as Cruz lands a left hand. Vera lands an incredible head kick an Cruz goes nearly airborne and is down on the mat. Dean interrupts the match by stopping Vera with a couple of follow-ups. Vera is a great finish!

Marlon Vera def. Dominick Cruz via KO – Round 4, 2:17