CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) stars Demetrio “The Standard” de la Torre and Maxlito “Hyper Eagle” Yong will put their respective regional titles on the line as the Colt 45-Universal Reality Combat Challenge (URCC) Cebu 5:Deliverance unfolds tonight at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
Aside from the two championship matches, MMA followers will also be treated to an international battle as Razi “The Iranian” Jabbari of the Way of the Champions Stable tackles United Kingdom’s Tom “The Hawk” Woodfin in the main event.
The fight between Jabbari and Woodfin, however, remains to be a wait-and-see thing as Jabbari was eight pounds over the regulatory weight limit of 160 to 169 lbs. in the welterweight division.
The organizing URCC and the sanctioning Games and Amusements Board (GAB) have given Jabbari until midnight to shed off the extra poundage. If he fails to make the exact weight, URCC president Alvin Aguilar said in yesterday’s press conference at Loft Restaurant and Lounge that the Woodfin-Jabbari is most likely to be reduced into an exhibition duel.
But no matter what it takes, Woodfin is willing to lock up horns with Jabbari. “It’s unlikely that I’d back down. I’ve been preparing for this month for three months. It’s a waste of energy if I don’t fight,”Woodfin said.
On the other hand, De la Torre of Mandaue City will risk his Visayas pinweight title against Bacolod’s Victor “The Gladiator” Torre, while Yong will stake his belt against debuting Remus Belguerra of Iloilo City.
Jerome “The Cruiser First” Torbiso, who stepped in the place of Cary “The Prince” Bullos who pulled out of the card after being afflicted with dengue, will take on Arie Zarco.
The rest of the explosive card pits Siloy “Black Smith” Analito vs. Mark “Buhawe” Revalde,Argie Junsay vs. Jerlyn “Matador” Liera, Wilfredo “Tiger Force” Cajurao vs. Geronimo “Etac” Sevilla, ”The Grip” Intoy vs. Jecar “The Alligator” Tumulak, and Ritchie Redman against Engi “The Destroyer” Piloto.
Aguilar expects a more exciting battle noting that the local MMA artists have shown tremendous improvement since the first URCC.
“The level has risen tremendously. Dati meron lang striker at wrestler but now, you have a complete MMA fighters in Cebu. It’s just a matter of time that there will be someone who can represent not only Cebu but the whole country in international fights,”Aguilar said.–Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN NEWS)