CEBU, Philippines - Exciting, highly entertaining and action-packed matches are what fans could expect as top caliber fighters from Cebu will square off against each other in the first ever mixed martial arts and kickboxing tournament in Southern Leyte dubbed as ‘Kumbati sa Sogod’ on January 25 at the Sogod Multi-purpose gymnasium.
Yaw-Yan Alakdan Leyte founder Maestro Eric Albotra said during a press conference yesterday that fight buffs from Leyte will surely be treated to a showdown of pure strength and fearless aggression in the 10-match MMA and kickboxing card.
“Being the hermano mayor,gituyo nako nga mag-organize ani nga tournament isip halad usab ni Snr. Sto.Niño,” said Albotra. “But usa usab sa akong tuyo ani nga padula mao nga mahatagan og idea and exposure ang sports sa MMA and kickboxing ngadto sa mga taga-Leyte.”
“I am hopeful nga through this; teenagers in our place will be involved into martial arts rather than vices.”
In the main event of MMA, Universal Reality Combat Championship veteran MJ ‘Bolo Punch’ Abrillo of Yaw-Yan Kampilan will slug it out with Ilo-ilo’s Julius ‘Smasher Gonzaga of ER Spawn MMA.
Cebu based French fighter Paul ‘The French’ Carrere will also showcase his striking skills against Raymund ‘Chief Monster’ Libradilla of Tatus Muay Thai and MMA in the co-main event.
Meanwhile, two Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu warriors will also face respective foes in the kickboxing action. URCC fighter Ruel ‘Akiyama’ Rosauro will make his ring comeback after two years of inactivity as he go toe-to-toe with Redner ‘Beatdown’ Mendonza of Durex Dragon Kickboxing Club.
Batang Pinoy National Finals gold-medalist Ken ‘Shaolin’ Caniga will also see action against Benedict ‘Little Warrior’ Torbiso of Durex KBC.
“This is going to be an all-out war inside the ring, Leytehanons will see a lot of knockouts and submissions in this fight card,” said Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu CEO and Founder Master Benigno 'Ekin' Caniga.
Other participating clubs include Yaw-Yan Mustang, Yaw-Yan Fervilleon SOMA, Project X, One Cebu MMA, Redneos Gladiator MMA, Arcomjukai, Unified MMA and Cyclone MMA. (FREEMAN)