MMA Manila Open set at Marriott

MANILA, Philippines — The first Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open hosted by the newly-formed Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP) will be held Oct. 14 to 16 at the grand ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino, the NMMAPP president, along with secretary-general Alvin Aguilar launched the 11-division event supported by 9 Dynasty during Wednesday’s press conference.

“Our Filipino fighters are known for their fighting skills and courage. I believe they will excel in this first Asian Open,” Tolentino said.

To spice up the competition, Tolentino announced that all winners of each division including two women’s weight classes will take home cash rewards. Each gold medalist will bag $8,000 while silver medalists will receive $4,000 and $2,000 for the bronze medalists.

Aguilar, president of Wrestling Association of the Philippines, aired confidence on the Pinoy fighters like Arvin Chan, Annie Parungao, Carlo Laurel and Geli Bulaong.

“We have 10 confirmed to join in the competition,” Aguilar said.