"Founder vs. Founder" collision to spice up Ground & Pound VI

CEBU, Philippines - An all-out war between two of Cebu’s kickboxing pillars will surely be a center of attraction in the keenly-awaited Ground & Pound VI:Invincible presented by Yaw-Yan Cebu ArDigma Martial Arts Federation, Inc. on July 14 at the Cebu Coliseum. This as Allan “The Dancing Man” Epile of Soma KBC will go up against long-time rival Ben “Durex Warrior” Torbiso of Durex Dragon KBC in a special bout underneath the explosive double-header topbilling the highly-successful mixed martial arts (MMA) series spearheaded by Yaw-Yan Cebu ArDigma Founder and CEO Master Benigno "Ekin" R. Caniga, Jr.

The clash of former titans was supposed to happen 18 years ago in a fight card held at an open venue in Loay, Bohol but was scrapped due to a heavy downpour.

Epile, a former kickboxing bantamweight champion, has promised himself not to ever step in the ring again as a fighter.

But Torbiso, a two-time winner of the first world karate tournament and goodwill matches in the early 70s, dared Epile to a duel so many times already including one in front of the former kickboxing champ’s wife that forced Epile to accept the challenge and unlock the warrior in him.

With the consent of his family, Epile is all pumped up in training, while Torbiso seems to be very motivated even at the age of 60.

“Let's just wait and see what happens come the fight night," said Torbiso in a press conference at the Yaw-Yan ArDigma Headquarters.

“I won’t promise anything. I will just give my best inside the ring,” fired back Epile.

Age may not be on their side but martial art fans could expect a classic confrontation between the two respected ring gladiators of the past.

Meanwhile, two championship bouts will be showcased for the first time in the eight-year history of the Ground and Pound series.

In the main event of the action-packed show, Mark "The Terminator" Araneta of the Mandaue City-based Team UMMA will square off against Lord Rey "The Punisher" Yamit of Butuan Extreme MMA for the GNP lightweight title.

The supporting main event is an explosive kickboxing match between Renan "Limbas" Noblefranca of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu Top Team and Steve "D' Lightning" Sevilleno of Team MUMMA-Manila in a grudge rematch of sort for the YFCC bantamweight crown.  

Tickets are now on sale at P150 for the upper box, P350 for the lower box, P500 for the ringside and P1, 000 for the VIP section.

For reservations and further information, one may contact 0932-4524999, 255-8919 or 255-1405 (FREEMAN)