Bullos ready for war vs. Japanese striker

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) enthusiasts will once again be treated to an action-packed spectacle via the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC)-Cebu:Survival slated on January 19 at J Centre Mall Convention Hall along A.S, Fortuna Street in Brgy. Bakilid, Mandaue City.

The upcoming MMA event features a super-fight between Cebu’s pride and URCC Visayas bantamweight champion Cary ‘The Prince’ Bullos against Japanese Hedio ‘Death from Tokyo’ Morikawa in a non title bout scheduled for three rounds.

The 30-year-old Bullos of SELDEF MMA snared the URCC crown with a knockout win over Rex ‘T-Rex’ de Lara last year.

Although this will be his first step in the ring after a one-year layoff, Bullos promised to put up an explosive show before his countrymen.

“I haven’t fought in the ring for a while after claiming the belt," said Bullos in a press conference yesterday at the Loft Restaurant and Lounge in Cebu IT Park. "But I did not stop in my training and I can say that I am more stronger now especially that I am facing a tough challenge against Morikawa.”

Morikawa, who is known to be a prolific striker, poses a big threat to Bullos, even as he also seeks redemption after losing to Filipino fighter Onyok Transmonte during the URCC Dekada on December 1 last year at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In the supporting main event, Ground and Pound champion Lord Rey Yamit of Python’s Pit will slug it out with Bullos teammate and knockout specialist Jimmy ‘Silencer’ Yabo, while undefeated Vaughn ‘Spawn’ Donayre of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu will face veteran Allan Atup of Python’s Pit Mindanao.

The rest of the card features Roel Rosauro vs. Jeremy Quinonero; Alexander Abraham vs. Philipe Demecilio; Arnel Ylanan vs. Jhonjher Torbiso; Moises Nodalo vs. Ervin Musico; and Rodel Rejalde vs. Leo Rodrigo.

Meanwhile, URCC-Cebu promoter Renault Lao said this card will be a chance for MMA talents from Mindanao and Visayas to show what they've got and make it their stepping stone to a bigger stage like the One Fighting Championship (ONE FC) that is now considered as the biggest MMA event in Asia.

“We are trying to get foreign fighters to compete in URCC cards but still our goal is to showcase local talents from Visayas and Mindanao and to see who among them have the potential to fight internationally,” said Lao. (FREEMAN)