Yaw-Yan Fighting Challenge V kicks off tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano fight fans brace for non-stop Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and kickboxing action inside the ring as “Yaw-Yan ArDigma Fighting Challenge (YFC) V: Recompense” gets underway at 8:00 tonight at the Cebu Coliseum.

Fourteen pairs of elite MMA fighters and kickboxers from Visayas and Mindanao will put their skills to test as martial arts aficionados bear witness to the multiple combat sports.

“Karon nga medyo ni-grow na ang awareness sa mga Cebuano sa MMA, maglaum ta nga mao nani ang start sa pagsulbong sa kasikat sa maong sports dinhi sa atoa,” said Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu founder Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga, Jr.

In the explosive main event, the pride of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Kyle “Hurricane” Co will lock up horns with veteran knockout artist Mark “Terminator” Araneta of Unified MMA Mandaue.

Two fighters got tangled in their own desire for revenge as Co wants to avenge fellow Yaw-Yan ArDigma fighter Mark Boyo, who fell to victim to the hands of Araneta last June. 

Also for Araneta, defeating another Yaw-Yan ArDigma stalwart will bring vindication to himself as he suffered his solitary loss against Yaw-Yan ArDigma fighter Engie “Destroyer” Piloto last year.

The other exciting match in the MMA pits Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Johnlery Ian Caniga, son of Master Ekin, against Theodero “Kid” Batuun of the Tagbilaran City-based Team Red Dragon.

Cebuano Renan Noblefranca also from Yaw-Yan ArDigma will clash with Mindanao top fighter Steve Sevellino of Unified MMA Cagayan De Oro in a five-round kick boxing main event.

After his colorful MMA career, ex-Universal Reality Combat Cham-pionship fighter Piloto will have his kickboxing debut against veteran Arthur “Spartan King" Barba of the Mindanao Unified Martial Arts (MUMA).

The rest of the fights feature three other Yaw-Yan ArDigma stalwarts in Ruel “Akiyama” Resauro, Keith “Ice” Acapulco and Geronimo “Daredevil” Etac.

Resauro will face Arnel Ylanan of Team Bullet Fighting System, Acapulco will tackle Jovanne Javier of Team Red Dragon, and Etac will go up against Dexter Mesiona of Team JR Grand MMA.

Tickets are priced at P300 for ringside and P150 for lower box. (FREEMAN)