Charles Jourdain vs. Marlon Vera set as UFC OKC co-main event on July 18

Marlon "Chito" Vera and Charles "Air" Jourdain are set to collide in the co-main event of UFC Oklahoma City on July 18, the promotion has announced. The bout brings together two aggressive switch-stance strikers from different weight classes for what promises to be one of the more compelling matchups on the card.

Vera enters the fight ranked seventh in the bantamweight division, carrying a record of 23-12-1. The 33-year-old Ecuadorian trains out of Team Oyama and has built his reputation on relentless pressure and finishing ability. He lands 4.18 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, and his submission threat — averaging 0.8 attempts per 15 minutes — makes him dangerous across all phases of a fight. At five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, he is a compact and well-rounded competitor.

Jourdain, the 30-year-old Canadian out of Academie Pro Star MMA, brings a record of 18-8-1 into Oklahoma City. Known for his high-volume, crowd-pleasing style, "Air" leads the pace with 5.48 significant strikes landed per minute and connects at 49 percent accuracy — numbers that mark him as one of the more active offensive fighters on the roster. He stands five-foot-nine with a 69-inch reach, making this a closely matched physical contest.

Why it matters

• Vera holds the number-seven ranking at bantamweight, meaning a dominant performance could push him back toward title contention in his division.
• Jourdain fights without a listed divisional ranking, so a victory over a ranked opponent would represent a significant résumé boost.
• Both men are switch-stance strikers who initiate at high volume, pointing toward an entertaining, action-heavy exchange on the feet.
• The co-main event slot gives the bout added visibility on what is shaping up to be a strong summer card.