RP bets vow revenge in 'Onslaught'

MANILA, Philippines - Mark “The Machine” Sangiao and Caloy “Bad Boy” Baduria try to reclaim their titles when they tangle with equally dangerous foreign rivals today in the Colt 45-Universal Reality Combat Championship dubbed “Onsaught” at the World Trade Center.

Sangiao, determined to follow in the footsteps of teammate and foremost Lakay Wushu fighter Eduard Folayang, battles Justin “The Shocker” Cruz of Spike 22 Guam in one of four title encounters presented by Colt 45.

This will be the first time the 5-foot-6 Sangiao sees action in a URCC-organized event, having devoted most of his time in the Philippine wushu team the past three years, but the pride of Baguio City remains as explosive and confident as before.

The 27-year-old Sangiao, who holds a 5-1 win-loss record, is known for his powerful leg kicks and superior takedown skills but he will have his hands full against the 24-year-od Cruz who boasts of a 14-4 record, including 1-1 in a URCC-organized tournament.

Aside from the four title bouts, mixed martial arts fans will also witness six exciting supporting bouts, including the grudge showdown between Ramonito Pabroa against Hideo Morikawa and Jilmar Tngayan and Magz Gonzalez.

Baduria, on the other hand, is aching to get back at defending champion Zhang Tie Quan of China when they collide in the middleweight class of the event supported by Alaxan FR, Globe Tattoo, No Fear, Pony and E-Games.

After briefly moving up to light heavyweight and winning over Cuban fighter Remand Lazaro last July, the 28-year-old Baduria openly sought for a rematch with the Chinese fighter.

Another notable fights in the event also backed by Solar Sports, CS9, 99.5 RT, NU107, Getzmo? and Pinoy Exchange are the featherweight showdown between reigning titlist Ali Khatibi of DEFTAC and “The Snake” Benibe of Maic’s Gym and the pinweight showdown between defending champion Roy Docyogen and Alvin Ramirez.

From down south, Sabah Fadai of Cebu will go up against Ari Zarco of Maic’s Gym. Both fighters are outstanding strikers, but Fadai has an edge in grappling as he trains with the top grappling team in Cebu - Garcie Barra Cebu.

Clashing in the other featherweight showdown are Luke Mark Catubig of Dumaguete and Manila’s Eric Kelly while SEA Games gold medal winner (wrestling) Marcus Valda of DEFTAC battles URCC heavyweight champion Vicente Pajaro.

Ticket prices are pegged at P300, P500 and P1,000. Tickets are available at Ticketnet (tel. No. 9115555). Globe GCash holders can now purchase tickets via GCash.

Other backers of the event are Chris Sports, TRX, Bulls Gloves, SEAIR, VRP Medical Center, Yoshinoya and Microtel Hotels & Resorts.