MMA star Brandon Vera throws support to Azkals' World Cup bid

MANILA, Philippines -- Mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Brandon Vera has called on followers and football fans to support the upcoming match between the Philippine Azkals and Uzbekistan on Sept. 8 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Vera, who has more than 221,000 followers on Facebook alone, posted: “Azkals vs Uzbekistan on Sept. 8 at the Philippine Arena (referring to Philippine Sports Stadium). Watch it live!!! Ousss!!!!!” He accompanied it with the hashtags #WorldCupQualifier #pinoypride.

Vera has made a successful ONE Championship (ONE FC) debut last December when he stopped Ukrainian Igor Subora at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. He used to fight under the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) roster.

The Sept. 8 match is crucial as it could determine Azkals’ standing in Group H and its chances in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Philippines, with two wins, is currently in second place in Group H with six points behind North Korea, which is leading on account of having scored one more goal (5-4) than the Azkals in two matches.

Tickets for the Azkals vs. Uzbekistan game to be held at the Philippine Sports Stadium on September 8, 2015 are now available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.  Tickets are at P531.80 for Price Zone 1, P331.14 for Price Zone 2 and P125.40 for Price Zone 3.