Cebuano Yaw-Yan fighter shines in US MMA tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano Yaw-Yan fighter Johnlery "Ian" Caniga brought honor and pride to the country after he emerged as 'Grand Champion' in the Navarro's Mixed Martial Arts Championships last Saturday in Pacifica, California, USA.

For clinching the distinct award, the 20-year-old BS Criminology student from the University of Cebu (UC) received a cash prize and a life-size trophy.

Caniga claimed a pair of 22-carat gold rings for placing first in the stick-fighting category of arnis and muay thai event. He also took the first place honors in the galo division of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and finished third under the same competition through No-Gi.

 Caniga is under the tutelage of his decorated father Master Benigno "Ekin" R. Caniga Jr., who is the founder/CEO and Vis-Min director of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Martial Arts Federation, Inc. Aside from his dad, Caniga also got helpful tips from his arnis instructor Grandmaster Max Caballes.

Interestingly, Caniga is the first Filipino from Cebu to see action in an MMA tournament in the United States. (FREEMAN)