The first-ever bareknuckle exhibition bouts are set to hit the Philippine fight scene as Universal Reality Combat Championship announced it is staging its “Bare Madness” card on October 27 at the Xylo in The Palace in BGC, Taguig.
URCC founder Alvin Aguilar said the time to hold and appreciate bareknuckle fights has come.
“When we pioneered the MMA fight concept back in 2002, people thought it was too violent, too risky. But look at MMA now,” Aguilar said during a press conference at the Xylo bar. “In the same way, it’s worth noting that BKF (Bareknuckle Fight) is steadily gaining popularity in the U.S. and Europe, so it’s only a matter of time before it enjoys mainstream acceptance here.“
Aguilar also said the Games and Amusement Board has already approved the URCC’s new concept, adding also that the health and safety of the fighters will always be the priority.
URCC Global Chairman Arnold Vegafria believes that the sport holds much promise for a new breed fighters, whose speed and cunning can more than make up for the lack of brawn.
“With the success of Filipino athletes in recent global competitions, we believe that Filipino fighters are meant for global domination, particularly for this more adrenaline-inducing sport,” Vegafria said.
“Also, we at URCC feel that Filipino fight fans are clamoring for something more exciting, and this could very well what we’ve all been waiting for,“ he added.
Pre-event matches feature today’s top-ranked Filipino mixed martial artists like John Ornido battling Janedie Bernardo in the 135-pound class, Ruel Catalan facing Edrion Macatangay in the 125-pound category, and Rex de Lara clashing with Jayson Margallo in the 125-pound class.
The Bareknuckle Fights, on the other hand, feature Rocky Vergara against Marvin dela Cruz; Kimbert Alintozon against JV Baldonasa; and Mark Alcoba against Zarco Gales.
Kenjhons, alias “Mr. Mainit”, will go up against Map Soberano in the main event.
Purchase your tickets today and catch the historic event at Xylo BGC on October 27 at 7 p.m.