POMONA, Calif. — Wholesale Tire Distributors (WTD) Inc.'s Arroyo Tires has added another fighter to its list of ambassadors.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Marlon "Chito" Vera has signed on to become a sports ambassador for Arroyo Tires. According to Arroyo, the Ecuadorian fighter "shares the values of resilience, dedication and precision" with the tire brand and has become "one of the most feared and respected fighters in the bantamweight division," WTD said.
Vera is ranked sixth in the UFC bantamweight rankings as of October 2024.
"In my career, I've had to work hard every day to stay at the top," Vera said. "I know that Arroyo Tires is all about delivering top-tier performance and reliability, just like I am when I step into the octagon. I trust them to deliver the best, and I'm excited to help share that with the fans."
As part of his role, Vera will participate in several community events, marketing campaigns and social media content, allowing "fans to get an inside look at his personal connection to Arroyo Tires products and his thoughts on the importance of reliability and performance in every aspect of life," according to Arroyo.
By aligning with Vera, Arroyo said it is broadening its reach to sports fans and automotive enthusiasts, "amplifying its message of performance-driven excellence."
WTD said Vera "never gives up, even in the face of adversity," mirroring Arroyo and its dedication to products engineered "to withstand the toughest challenges."
Late last year, WTD announced it was partnering with Leo Santa Cruz, a multi-division world champion boxer, to serve as an Arroyo brand ambassador. Santa Cruz, from Mexico, is a four-weight world champion who held the IBF bantamweight title from 2012 to 2013, the WBC super bantamweight title from 2013 to 2015, the WBA featherweight title twice between 2015 and 2022, and the WBA super featherweight title from 2019 to 2020.
WTD said Vera's car collection includes several high-performance vehicles, including a custom Jeep Gladiator and a fully modified BMW M4.
"I know what it's like to rely on something when it matters most," Vera said. "In the octagon, I trust my body and my team. On the road, I trust my tires. Arroyo Tires is a brand that delivers that same kind of confidence, and I'm proud to be part of it."
Earlier last year, WTD announced that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder James Outman, as well as comedian Adam Waheed and automotive YouTube star Parker Nirenstein would be representing the proprietary brand.