Hillana stakes title vs Iranian in FFC

Filipino bet Adrian Hillana stakes his middleweight title against Iranian Razi Jabarri in the main bout of the Fearless Fighting Championship’s Fearless Intensity 8 tonight at the New Ynares Center in Pasig City.

Hillana, a 21-year-old second year marketing student of Colegio San Agustin in Bacolod, is seeking a repeat of his swift victory over the taller Jabarri, 24, in October last year to stretch his unbeaten record to seven wins.

“I’m ready for him,” said Hillana, who boasts of strong boxing and wrestling skills, in yesterday’s media launch attended by FFC chief Alex Lopez.

For Jabarri, a University of the East student, it’s going to be about redemption as he is aching to get back at Hillana, who beat him in a bout that lasted only 14 seconds.

“I’ve learned my lessons. Before we fought, I was very proud. But the loss made me realize that I had to train harder,” said Jabarri, a kickboxing specialist who has racked up six wins in the last seven fights.

In yesterday’s weigh-in supervised by the Games and Amusement Board, Jabarri came in at 169 lbs., while the Filipino champion weighed 168 lbs., for the 169-lbs middleweight limit.

“This is going to be one hell of a fight card for mixed martial arts fans. It’s going to be action-packed from start to finish,” said Lopez, whose group put together 26 fights, including two championship fights, a super-fight, five featured fights and six qualifying undercards.

The fight, presented by FFC and Viva Sports and backed by Pagcor, Metrocard, Super Security Agency, PCSO, Rudy Project and media partners Calibre Studios, Magic 89.9, NU 107, Crossover 105.1, DZSR Sports Radio, Espresso Plus, and Synermaxx, starts promptly at 7 p.m.

Tickets priced at P1,000 (VIP), P800 (lower box) and P500 (upper box) are available at TicketNet at tels. 911-5555.

Fought in an octagon arena like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, MMA is fast becoming a favorite sport among Filipinos. It is actually one of the fastest rising sports in Japan, Brazil and the US.