Delarminos gain respect in URCC VI

CEBU, Philippines -  Cary “The Prince” Bullos appeared to be in full control of the match but a knee strike on the Cebuano’s rib cage earned Leonard Delarmino not only the Visayas bantamweight title but also the respect he wanted out of Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC)-Cebu VI:Respect the other night at the jampacked Cebu International Convention Center.

Missing one of Cebu’s most exciting MMA artists who had been out of the scene for two years, local followers came in droves to witness Bullos' much-awaited comeback more than anyone else fighting in this Colt 45-presented event.

Although he was aware that he would not be a “crowned prince” even if he wins against Delarmino for failing to meet the regulatory weight limit, Bullos still fought the best he could.

Bullos pounced on hard, sending Delarmino against the ropes and onto floor through an armbar and full-mount with matching heavy blows that made the crowd go wild rooting for him.

Delarmino, however, stayed tough and patiently waited for the right time to come his way until he got a chance to plant a powerful knee strike on the rib cage that rocked Bullos so hard.

And with some solid punches to the head, Bullos' brother and trainer Lyndel had no choice but to throw in the towel at the 5:30 mark of the second round.

Delarmino, thus, regained the belt that was stripped of him last year for breach of contract with URCC.

In the supporting bouts, Tom Woodfin of Deftac-Cebu lived up to expectations as he pressed on a rear-naked choke on Ricardo Sapno that forced the latter to tap out at 3:44 of the opening round, while welterweight Jimmy Yabo’s fight with George Flansbaum was declared no-contest due to inactivity on the ring.

On the other hand, two Visayas title holders Maxlito “Hyper Eagle” Yong of Yaw-Yan Musang and Victor Torres of Deftac-Bacolod met contrasting fates.

Torre retained his pinweight title after stopping Yaw-Yan Ardigma’s Mark Revalde at 1:06 of the first round, while Yong surrendered his flyweight crown to Agustin Delarmino.

Just like his brothers Leonard and Agustin, Philip Delarmino also stole the show after a resounding victory over Jhon Edu Torbiso in his URCC debut.

Pinweight prospect Reynan Noblefranca won by stoppage against Jessie Tambiling of Bullet Muay Thai, while welterweight Von Donaire of Deftac-Cebu passed his baptism of fire with flying colors over Lorde Yamit. (FREEMAN)