MMA legend now ONE exec all praise for Cebu fighters

CEBU, Philippines — Mixed martial arts legend Rich Franklin, who is now vice president of ONE Championship, was all praise for Cebuano fighters after he conducted a free seminar for young MMA aspirants last Sunday at the Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu gym.

Franklin, a former world champion and considered as one of the pioneers of the sport, was in town to scout talents for his One Warrior Series, a combat-based reality show where he embarks on a mission to find Asia’s next big martial arts superstar.

Franklin, together with his ONE staff, visited Yaw-Yan ArDigma gym of Master Benigno ‘Ekin’ R. Caniga Jr. where they spotted unbeaten amateur standout Allan Albindo who is now included in the  next edition of OWS later this year in Singapore.

“Filipino athletes seem to be years ahead of the competition here in Southeast Asia. I believe boxing was the catalyst for my passion. I would say the same thing about our Filipino fighters,” said the 43-year-old Franklin.

Aside from head-hunting fighters, Franklin took time to do a free grappling seminar, which was participated by Yaw-Yan grassroots products together with the less fortunate children from Barangay Day-as, Cebu City.

Not only that they learned basic martial arts skills, the kids also received school supplies.

Albindo, for his part, is ecstatic to fight in the OWS and he promised to represent Cebu well.

“I don’t feel the pressure. I just want to show what Cebu fighters are made of,” said Albindo, a native of Argao town south of Cebu.  “I want to fight poverty through MMA. I will do my best to emerge as champion and hopefully get that ONE Championship contract.”

With Albindo fighting in the One Warrior Series, Yaw-Yan ArDigma produced its second international fighter next to Roel ‘Akiyama’ Rosauro, who has fought in Asia’s biggest MMA organization two times.

Master Ekin is honored that Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu is the first MMA gym in the region to be recognized by One Championship.

“This is my ultimate goal, to produce fighters that will represent Cebu in international tournaments,” said Master Ekin. “I am really thankful for ONE Championship for recognizing. All my efforts were not wasted.”

“This inspired me more to continue developing MMA and kickboxing in Cebu,” added Master Ekin.