Chan, Tongson set MMA grudge match

MANILA, Philippines - The grudge rematch between Arvin Chan and Jhay Tongson highlights the inaugural staging of Pacific Extreme Combat’s “Laban MMA” set this Saturday at the Lipa City Youth and Cultural Center in Batangas.

The first meeting between the two ended in controversy after the fight was stopped when Chan poked Tongson in the eye by what many considered as a legal blow.

“So unfinished business sa dalawa ito. Kapwa may gustong patunayan,” said legendary MMA fighter and promoter Erwin Tagle in Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“It’s going to be an exciting match-up. Well see who of them improved and who has adjusted,”  Tagle added.

The return bout between Chan of Fist Gym and Tongson of Submission Sports Philippines is set at 155-lbs.

Ten other matches are in store in the weekend event, which is part of PXC’s provincial development league, according to director for fighter operations Rob San Diego.

 San Diego was joined by tag team matchmaker Jek Ferrer in the session presented by Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Co-main fight of the night is the catchweight (119 lbs) duel between Mark Albert Alonso of Hyper MMA and Mike Luna of Elite Fitness/Submission Sports Philippines.

Spicing up the night is the presence of PXC ring girl Red dela Cruz and rock group Slapshock.

Batangas is the very first province to host “Laban MMA” which is aimed at discovering athletes outside of Metro Manila, while giving thousands of fighters from the grassroots an opportunity to hone their skills.

The Batangas leg will be followed by events in Baguio, Bacolod, Boracay, Cebu and Davao.