THE Philippines may not the best market in Asia in terms of economics, but it prides itself of fans who are the most passionate about combat sports. No wonder the world’s top Mixed Martial Arts organization has taken keen interest on expanding in Asia with the Philippines as the doorway.
The Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting will be holding its first event in the country with the fightcard entitled Philippines vs. the World on July 30 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Five fighters, bannered by undefeated MMA lady fighter Jujeath Nagaowa and Mario Sismundo, a hard-hitting, Manny Pacquiao look-alike, will take on athletes from China, Brazil, Pakistan, and two from Malaysia.
Sismundo (3-1) will be on spotlight as the co-main event, when he takes on China’s Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti (5-3). Mario’s charisma and charm has captivated the Philippines’ fan base.
It doesn’t hurt, too, that he carries a striking resemblance to boxing great Pacquiao.
The relationship between Philippines and China has been toxic due to disputes over territories in the West Philippines Sea and South China Sea. This fight will have national pride on the line.
The featured female bout of the night showcases Jujeath Nagaowa (2-0), a former professional boxer who won the WBC Asian Boxing Council Female Atomweight Title and WIBA International Light Flyweight Title. The “Bad Girl” will be taking on Malaysia’s Audreylaura Boniface (1-1), who is a doctor in her daily profession.
Jason Lilly, international matchmaker and Vice-president for operation of WSOF, couldn’t hide his excitement with the type of card that has been successful in other countries.
“I have goosebumps! We used a similar concept in Japan with the international fighters winning, 5-3. These Filipino fighters are up to the challenge though and expect to set a new precedent,” said Lilly.
To sweeten the pie for the fans, WSOF has offered P1 million as top prize in a raffle for ticket holders. This a first time in the history of MMA promotion in the Philippines.
“The fans are the real winners here. This is an opportunity for them to see other international combatants against some of their local heroes. It also gives Filipino fighters a chance to measure themselves against their counterparts. I can say with certainty that there has never been an event like this here in Philippines,” said WSOF owner Dunessa Hesser, a Filipina-American.
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Other exciting things are happening in the Philippine MMA scene in the last quarter of the year as the Ultimate Fighting Championship announced to hold the UFC Fight Night Manila 2 on Oct. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The UFC Fight made its successful debut last year with long-time rivals Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber bannering the event. The night belonged to Filipino-American Mark Munoz, though, as he announced his retirement after a dramatic win over his rival on the cage.
UFC Asia general manager Kenneth Berger promises another slam-bang event as they are looking out for fighters, with Filipino blood to be included in the card.
As part of the UFC promotional tour, Fil-Am sensation John Dodson made a three-day visit to the country over the weekend and made known his wish to be part of the Fight Night Manila 2.
“I want to come back. I want to fight before my kababayan,” said bantamweight contender Dodson in a chat with select media people.
“We are very excited to be back in the Philippines,” said Berger. “The consistently warm reception we receive from Filipino fans and last year’s sold-out event shows us that UFC has an incredibly strong following in the country. Manila is a fighting city and we hope to put on another unforgettable show that will capture the hearts of Filipino sports fans throughout the country.”
Playing a big part with UFC is local coverage partner Cignal and TV5, which beams the UFC telecast live via Hyper Channel 53 and Hyper HD Channel 130.
MMA is definitely a growing sport in the Philippines with local promotions Underground Battle, Balikatan, URCC taking the lead locally. Considered the biggest in Asia is ONE Championship. But all of them have to take the backseat when the world’s best take their turn.