CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA – Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. announces the sponsorship of UFC Light Heavyweight fighter, Brandon “The Truth” Vera as a Team Toyo Athlete. Residing in San Diego, California, Vera is a top contender in the UFC Light Heavyweight class with a solid 11-5-0 record. One of his highlights included stopping former heavyweight champion Frank Mir by TKO in just 69 seconds during UFC 65 Bad Intentions in Sacramento, California.

A member of Team Lloyd Irvin/ Alliance MMA, the 33-year old, 6-foot 3-inch Vera currently fights in the 205 lb. weight class. His fighting style includes Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Greco-Roman wrestling. He is a two-time Pan-American Champion with an Olympic Training background, and served in the United States Air Force. Vera will wear the Toyo Tires logo on his fighting shorts while also promoting the Toyo Tires brand through appearances and additional marketing efforts.

“Being an official Toyo fighter is awesome,” said Vera. “I always have great treads on my rides, and when they finally wear down, I have new kicking toys.”

“We are excited to have Brandon Vera as one of our Team Toyo Athletes,” said Stan Chen, manager of events and motorsports, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “Vera has impressive power and is versatile in The Octagon. His ‘driven’ style complements the Toyo Tires brand.”

Vera will face Eliot Marshall on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

To learn more about Team Toyo Athletes, and to learn about the full line of Toyo Tires products for passenger cars and light trucks, log onto www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks. Connect with the community at www.facebook.com/toyotires and www.twitter.com/toyotires.