New MMA stars eyed in URCC

MANILA, Philippines - With the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in the country, the organizing Universal Reality Combat Championship hopes to discover new stars when it presents the Colt 45 URCC University Challenge 2009 on Sept. 12 at the A. Venue Events Hall in Makati.

URCC founder and president Alvin Aguilar said they can identify the next MMA stars since they have invited all the finest collegiate players, including those from rival schools like Ateneo and La Salle.

Jojo Tabang and Andrew Laxa will spearhead the charge of La Salle in the tournament presented by Colt 45 and backed by Alaxan FF, E-Games, Chris Sports, Seair, Yoshinoya and Tribal Gear.

Ralph Mendita heads the Ateneo challeng.

The event will follow professional rules except that a bout will be played in three five-minute rounds instead of the usual two 10-minute rounds.

“It’s going to be one spectacular show – that we promise our growing legion of fans,” said Aguilar, who cited Colt 45 management for its continued support of their events.

Other players to watch are San Beda’s Mike Dula, La Salle’s Meeshal Al- Khuzeem and Chuck Chang, Samson College’s Jean-Marc Martin, St. Paul’s Angelo Cristi, Juan Sumulong University’s Nino Banatao and San Beda’s Rain Balibalos.

The tournament, which starts at 7 p.m., comes after the Colt 45 URCC ‘Aggression’ last July. URCC also staged the Davao tournament, which Aguilar said also drew a huge number of spectators.

Aguilar said all the participants will represent their respective clubs, not their schools, in the tournament.

He also said all fighters are required to wear a protective headgear. In case of a draw betwen two fighters, the three judges will decide on the winner.

For tickets reservations, call up Ticketnet at 9115555 or call 3810940/ 09178121616. For more details log on to www.urccmma.com.