Historic MMA, kickboxing show set to unfold in Southern Leyte

CEBU, Philippines - Expect an explosive action as French fighter Paul Carrere of Unified MMA and Cebuano mixed martial artist Raymund ‘Chief Monster’ Libradilla of Tatus Muay Thai MMA vowed to wage an all-out war against each other in the main event of ‘Kumbati sa Sogod,’ the first MMA and kickboxing tournament in Southern Leyte set tomorrow night at the Sogod Multi-purpose gymnasium.

The Carrere-Libradilla duel co-headlines the match between Universal Reality Combat Championship veteran MJ ‘Bolo Punch’ Abrillo of Yaw-Yan Kampilan and Iloilo’s Julius ‘Smasher’ Gonzaga.

Carrere seeks to redeem himself after losing via third round stoppage to Lando ‘Alamid’ Nacua of Yaw-Yan ArDigma in his previous MMA bout on August 15 last year at the Cebu Coliseum.

“It was painful because I know it was a close fight and some had me winning that bout if only I have not given him a chance to choke me,” said the Cebu-based Carrere. “I really want to win this one to get my confidence back and I will be happier if I can finish him off.”

Carrere must be extra careful though as Libradilla  also looks for an impressive win.

The ‘Kumbati sa Sogod’ also serves as a qualifying event for the highly-anticipated Ground and Pound seriesthis year at the Cebu Coliseum.

Police Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra Jr, one of the organizers, hopes that the tournament will be the start of something big in Southern Leyte as he himself is a big fan of combat sports.

“Aside from entertainment, I hope that many will be inspired especially the teenagers from our place to be involved in martial arts. Expect a receptive crowd during the event,” Albotra said.

In the kickboxing action, two Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu warriors will see action against separate foes. URCC fighter Ruel ‘Akiyama’ Rosauro will be coming off a two-year hiatus against Redner ‘Beatdown’ Mendonza of Durex Dragon Kickboxing Club, while Batang Pinoy national champion Ken ‘Shaolin’ Caniga will mix it up with Benedict ‘Little Warrior’ Torbiso of Durex KBC.

The other participating clubs in the slambang show are Yaw-Yan Mustang, Yaw-Yan Fervilleon SOMA, Project X, One Cebu MMA, Redneos Gladiator MMA, Arcomjukai, Unified MMA and Cyclone MMA. (FREEMAN)