URCC stages anniversary fight

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time SEA Games champion Marcus Valda and Eric Kelly take on a pair of dangerous rivals, guaranteeing a slam-bang action in the Colt 45-Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) XXIV dubbed “Uprising” on Nov. 30 at the SMS Convention Center in Pasay.

A former wrestling champion, Valda returns to the mixed martial arts (MMA) octagon after more than a year of absence as he faces what appears to be his toughest challenge in reigning URCC heavyweight titlist Igor Subora.

Kelly, on the other hand, collides with undefeated Chinese Lu Jian Bo of Xian Sports Institute with the Filipino fighter out to bounce back from his stunning defeat to Honorio Banario in the event serving as the highlight of URCC’s 11th anniversary.

Founded by Alvin Aguilar, URCC has established itself as the country’s biggest MMA promotion, having staged numerous successful events through the years involving prominent fighters.

“We owe our success to all our fans and fighters who continue to trust us. That’s why we are staging this exciting card. It’s going to be a war of attrition right from the first fight,” said Aguilar, who cited the continuing all-out support of the management of Colt 45.

Also seeing action in the 10-fight card backed by MegaSports World and Tribal Gear are some of the upcoming fighters, including Lito Adiwang, MJ Abrillo, Rockey Vergara and Ric Empil.

Tipped to provide highlights are the fights between Roy Doliguez and Franklin Donglay, Adrian Hillana and Ali Khatibi, Red Romero and Ricardo Sapno, Meshaal Al-Khuzeems and Melchor Cases, Lino Tagacay and Jay Olod and Andrew Benibe and Onyok Transmonte.

Supporting the event are Anzahl Paint, Chris Sports, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Red Box Karaoke, Tapa King, Padi’s Point, Lifeline Rescue, Impact High Performance Whey Protein, Boost Next level Creatine, Dymatize and P&P Tattoo.

Tickets are now available at all SM ticket outlets. For reservations, call 470-2222 (SM Tickets). First fight starts at 8 p.m.