The 31-year-old Winnipeg native has gained recent momentum with back-to-back victories over former WEC standout Brian Stann at UFC 97 and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Andre Gusmao at UFC 98 in May. Soszynski (18-8-1), a member of Team Quest’s Temecula squad, also appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter 8.”
Vera (10-3) has mastered two of his last three bouts in the UFC, earning a decision over Reese Andy at UFC Fight night 14 in July 2008 and a second-round TKO via leg kicks against wrestler Mike Patt at UFC 96 last March. The 31-year-old muay Thai striker lost a close split decision to Keith Jardine at UFC 89 last October. Hailing out of his Alliance Gym in San Diego, Calif., Vera is 6-3 in the Octagon.