Abucayan raring to destroy British foe in MMA battle

CEBU, Philippines - Two-time wrestling gold medallist Lloyd “Destroyer” Abucayan of Beefit Pythons Pit of Mindanao is ready to take on the tough challenge when he battles Cebu-based British fighter Cris "Lindol" Brooks of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu for the vacant Ground and Pound Championship (GPC) heavyweight title  in the main event of the "Ground and Pound 7: Resolution" on August 31 at the Cebu Coliseum.

“I am never afraid of my opponent even if how big he is,” said Abucayan, who also holds a black-belt degree in judo. “Size will not matter on this fight because what matters is the skill of the fighters and the hard work they put in order to get that title.”

Abucayan is giving up the weight and height advantage as he weighs 196 pounds and standing at 5-foot-8, while the 6-foot-1 British fighter weighs at 250 pounds.

“I am so confident that I will win because I have the best MMA team on my side and with the guidance of my brother (Louie Abucayan) who is also a former champion, I know we will get the title. I sacrificed a lot for this fight, ” said the 18-year-old Abucayan, who won two gols in the National Scholastic Wrestling Takedown Challenge last February at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

The pride of Davao also seeks vengeance against Brooks, who demolished his teammate and former URCC fighter Gygz Ocampo in the very first round during the Mindanao Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts’ The Proving Ground-Warshock in August last year at the Liceo de Cagayan University gym in Cagayan de Oro City.

Meanwhile, Master Benigno "Ekin" R. Caniga, Jr. together with some of the protagonists of the action-packed MMA fight card will grace today's SCOOP-Cebu forum at Baseline Restaurant to discuss on their preparations on the upcoming event.

The MMA show is presented by Yaw-Yan ArDigma Martial Arts Federation Inc. in partnership with SkyCable. It is sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).

Tickets are priced at P200 for the upperbox, P400 for the lowerbox, P750 for the ringside and P1,500 for the VIP seats. For reservations and further information, one may call 255-8919, 255-1405 or call/txt 0932-4524999.  (FREEMAN)