Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera isn’t just about punches and kicks—he’s turning heads on the runway too! The no.6 ranked UFC bantamweight swapped the Octagon for the catwalk, making a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week. The Ecuadorian fighter took center stage at American designer Willy Chavarria’s “Tarantula” show, donning an oversized black jacket and eye-catching XL shorts.
Paris Fashion Week is known for its bold statements and star-studded appearances, but Vera’s inclusion had the MMA world buzzing. Chavarria, who recently landed a collaboration for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, debuted his collection with a lineup of unexpected guest models. Alongside Vera, stars like Becky G and Indiya Moore strutted the runway, blending streetwear with high fashion.
For ‘Chito’ Vera, it was a rare moment away from the fight game, but he made it count. Walking shirtless, his tattooed torso on display, Marlon Vera carried the same confidence that he brings to the cage. The look was undeniably fitting—oversized yet sharp, edgy yet effortless. In a sport where branding is everything, Vera seized the moment, proving fighters can transcend their craft.
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This wasn’t just a fashion gig; it was a statement. And the fans? Well, they were left stunned at the different side of ‘Chito’ on display. From admiration to playful jabs, the reactions poured in, and here’s a look at what the netizens had to say!
Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera leaves the fans in awe with his catwalk cameo at Paris Fashion Week
Fans are used to seeing Marlon Vera in fight camps and highlight reels inside the Octagon, but this was an unexpected detour. While fighters often venture into side businesses, walking a high-fashion runway is a rare move. So, it’s safe to say this appearance wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card for 2025!
‘Side quest of the year so far’
In a sport where careers are short and unpredictable, one fan pointed out that fighters branching out is a smart move. While legends like Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping have transitioned to commentary and analysis after their fighting careers, ‘Chito’s decision to expand his horizons while he’s still fighting proves that modeling debut might just be the start—who knows what’s next? Maybe a podcast, an acting gig, or even a sneaker collaboration?
“Hell yeah. This is exactly why I asked Renato about side hustles for MMA fighters. I wanna see them doing more sh*t like this using their fame and platform to make money. Start the podcast. Audition for the movie. Drop the album. Get on stage. Don’t limit yourself to just fighting when y’all have the skills and talent do so much more”
From Conor McGregor’s designer suits to Israel Adesanya’s anime-inspired outfits, fighters have started using fashion to express themselves. As such, one fan proclaimed Vera to be the next contender for the “best dressed” UFC star. What do you think?
‘Definitely Top 5 best dressed in the UFC’
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As is tradition, the fandom couldn’t resist throwing out light-hearted jabs at Marlon Vera. The exaggerated proportions of high fashion can sometimes leave fans puzzled, but for some, it looked like ‘Chito’ was out on an errand instead of the catwalk!
‘He looks like his wife told him to take out the trash in December’
Some claimed that Vera’s friendship with Luke Rockhold, a former UFC champion and part-time model, who has dabbled in the fashion world for years opened the doors for him. In 2018, Rockhold became the face of Ralph Lauren’s ‘Polo Blue’ cologne. A sign of things to come for his friend Chito?
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‘His homie Luke Rockhold got him the gig’
In conclusion, Marlon Vera’s Parisian runway moment may have been unexpected, but it left a lasting impression. Whether fans saw it as a bold career move or just a fun detour, one thing is clear—‘Chito’ isn’t afraid to step outside the cage and into new arenas. With fighters becoming more than just athletes, Vera’s foray into fashion could be the beginning of something bigger. Maybe we’ll see someone like Paddy Pimblett in a ‘Burberry’ campaign or Islam Makhachev on a ‘Louis Vuitton’ billboard next. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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Debate