# Chito Vera and Jose Aldo Renew Rivalry in Quito Submission Superfight

**By Rosa Delgado**  \nPublished October 2, 2026  \nUpdated October 2, 2026

> Six years after their UFC clash, Marlon 'Chito' Vera and retired legend Jose Aldo headline Hype Fighting Championship's inaugural Ecuador card in a submission-only grappling showdown.

Just two weeks after picking up a victory over Charles Jourdain at UFC 331, Marlon **‘Chito’ Vera** is stepping back into the cage under dramatically different terms. On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Vera returns to his home country to headline HYPE Fighting Championship’s inaugural event in Ecuador, taking on former UFC champion **José Aldo** inside the Coliseo General Rumiñahui in Quito. Rather than mixing martial arts, the two will clash in a 10-minute, submission-only grappling match that removes gloves, judges’ cards, and striking entirely.

## A Six-Year Scoring Settled on the Mat

The history between Vera and Aldo dates back to December 19, 2020, when the Brazilian icon earned a unanimous decision victory over Vera after three rounds at the UFC APEX. While Aldo has since retired from mixed martial arts competition, he has remained active in combat sports and accepted the invitation to face Vera in front of the Ecuadorian crowd. For Vera, the bout offers a home-soil stage for redemption, albeit in a submission-only discipline where winning requires securing a tapout before the 10-minute clock expires.

> “No podré competir en ese evento para evitar lesiones,” stated Ecuadorian star Michael Morales, confirming his absence after miscommunication regarding a proposed bout.

Morales’ exclusion cleared up lingering confusion on the main card. Originally linked to a grappling contest against Argentina’s Laureano Staropoli, Morales and his management clarified that negotiations with HYPE never yielded a formal contract. With a scheduled UFC engagement approaching in November or December, Morales opted against taking on physical risk in Quito, leaving the spotlight squarely on Vera, Aldo, and a high-stakes co-main event.

## Covington Tests DWCS Standout Mayton Perea

In the co-featured submission-only grappling match, emerging Ecuadorian prospect **Mayton ‘The Lion’ Perea** steps onto the mat with former UFC interim welterweight champion **Colby Covington**. Perea secured a four-fight UFC contract after delivering an explosive 45-second knockout against Zevan Hunt on Dana White’s Contender Series. Before making his official UFC octagon debut, Perea gets an immediate litmus test against Covington, a decorated wrestler known for continuous top control and unrelenting positional pressure.

## First Sanctioned Bare-Knuckle Event in Ecuador

In addition to submission grappling, HYPE Fighting Championship is introducing Ecuador’s first sanctioned bare-knuckle boxing card, creating a dual-discipline showcase inside the Coliseo General Rumiñahui.

Hype Ecuador: Complete Event Schedule & CardBout CategoryMatchupFormatMain EventJosé Aldo vs. Marlon Vera10-Min Submission-Only GrapplingCo-Main EventColby Covington vs. Mayton Perea10-Min Submission-Only GrapplingGrappling SuperfightLev Sarkisyan vs. Jonás TambacoSubmission-Only GrapplingGrappling SuperfightDiego “Pato” Oliveira Batista vs. Eduardo “Edu” SalazarSubmission-Only GrapplingGrappling SuperfightEnrique “Kike” Guerrero vs. Andres AlvaradoSubmission-Only GrapplingGrappling SuperfightAngelo Cappelletti vs. Fernando Di PieroSubmission-Only GrapplingBare-Knuckle BoxingVictor Felisberto vs. Jesus ReyesBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingTimur Nikarkhoev vs. Andres Felipe CastillaBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingJorge Yepez vs. ClaudioBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingRicardo Nunes vs. Andres MunozBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingHarel Nicodella vs. Ricardo ChavezBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingCarlos Paz vs. Luis JimenezBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingGonzalo Machuca Jara vs. Ramzan MagamaevBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingDjallo Amadou vs. Oliver SuarezBare-Knuckle BoxingBare-Knuckle BoxingMatheus Rangel vs. Leonardo MacielBare-Knuckle Boxing

## Evidence-Led Tactical Forecast: Grappling Dynamics

Under the 10-minute submission-only framework, positional control does not earn scorecard points, forcing both main event fighters into aggressive submission hunting. Aldo’s historical advantage over Vera in their 2020 MMA bout relied heavily on back control and stifling positional sweeps. However, Vera’s recent active competition cycle gives him a conditioning edge over the retired Aldo, especially if Vera can survive early defensive entanglements and extend scramble sequences late into the 10-minute block.

In the co-main event, Covington’s elite collegiate wrestling baseline creates an immediate clash against Perea’s aggressive striking-focused momentum. Without striking permitted, Covington’s primary path relies on overwhelming top weight and ride time, while Perea’s counter-strategy requires quick hip movement and lower-body submission threats off his back. A victory for Perea would prove his ground durability before his UFC debut, whereas Covington’s experience makes him the tactical anchor on the mat.

## Event Details and Schedule Information

HYPE Ecuador takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The broadcast kicks off live at 4:00 p.m. local time in Ecuador (5:00 p.m. ET) and will be streamed globally on YouTube directly from Quito’s Coliseo General Rumiñahui.

## Sources

- [primicias.ec](https://www.primicias.ec/deportes/mas-deportes/cartelera-evento-hype-ecuador-chito-vera-jose-aldo-precios-entradas133511-133511/) — original
- [buenplan.com.ec](https://www.buenplan.com.ec/event/hype-2026-quito) — original
- [mmamania.com](https://www.mmamania.com/jiu-jitsu-tournaments/476200/hype-ecuador-fight-card-start-time-date-and-location-aldo-vs-vera) — original
- [delinquentmma.com](https://delinquentmma.com/) — original