Banner crowd seen in URCC's 'Havoc'

MANILA, Philippines - With the growing popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) in the country, the organizing Universal Reality Combat Championship expects a banner crowd when it stages the Colt 45-URCC XVII dubbed “Havoc” on July 24 at the A. Venue Events Hall in Makati.

“We’re going to stage another blockbuster affair, so we expect another banner crowd,” said URCC president and founder Alvin Garcia. “MMA is one of the fast-rising and exciting events in the country and our talents are out to prove we’re one of the best in this sport.”

The 10-bout affair, presented by Colt 45 and sponsored by Tribal Gear and Alaxan FR, features two championship bouts, including in the pinweight class where Roy Docyogen stakes his crown against Jordan Ogo of Saipan.

Also on tap in the tournament, backed by Solar TV, Solar Sports, 99.5 RT, NU 107, Rogue Magazine and Pinoy Exchange, is the welterweight showdown between Froilan Sarenas of Submission Sports Philippines and Iranian Razi Jabbari.

Other matches pit Bernardo Soriano versus Honorario Banario (lightweight), Noel Narada against Rad Llanasa (pin), Andrew Benibe opposite Jessie Rafols (bantam), Reysaldo Transmonte against Lino Tagacay (bantam), Carl Sabeniano against Jerson Estoro (feather) and Charry Dela Cruz versus Regie Amarante (pin).

The event, supported by VRP Medical Center, Chris Sports, Yoshinoya, and SEAIR, also features the heavyweight showdown between Ukrainian Igor Subora and RP bet Panchito Estrada.

Jabbari, who has been in the country for four years, hopes to use muay thai skills to beat Sarenas, who is a Brazilian jujitsu purple belter.

But focus will be on Docyogen, who is hoping to stretch his winning run to eight.

Tickets are available at all Ticketworld outlets (tel. No. 8919999). For details, log on to www.urccmma.com.