URCC-CEBU 7: Dominate, Noblefranca vows swift win

CEBU, Philippines - Undefeated kickboxing star Renante ‘Limbas’ Noblefranca of Yaw-Yan ArDigma has vowed a swift knockout victory as he faces Brazilian Jiu-jitsu specialist Jonathan Sumugat in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC)-Cebu 7 dubbed as ‘Dominate’ this Friday night at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

It will be a battle between a striker and a grappler as Noblefranca, who is known for his deadly ‘spinning back fist’, will try to assert his mastery in kickboxing against the Davao City-native Sumugat, a gold medallist in the 2010 Pan-Asia Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Open.

“Maayo man siya sa ground mao akong dad-on sa stand-up,” said Noblefranca, who is now in his final training at the Yaw-Yan ArDigma Gym in Sanciangko Street, this city. “Labaw ko sa striking ug ako suwayan nga ako siyang i-knockout sa round one.”

The 19-year-old Noblefranca, a veteran of 28 kickboxing fights, scored a convincing first round TKO win against Jessie Tambiling in last year's URCC VI.

On the other hand, Yaw-Yan Cebu ArDigma CEO/Founder and Vis-Min director Master Benigno "Ekin" R. Caniga, Jr. expressed his confidence not only to Noblefranca but also to his other two boys that will be showing their stuff in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) card. They are Geronimo Etac and Roel Rosauro.

Etac will challenge URCC Visayas pinweight title-holder Victor Torre of Bacolod City , while Rosauro will figure in a grudge rematch of sort against Arnel Ylanan of Mandaue's Bullet Fighting System.

“Confident ko sa ako mga fighters pero medyo kulbaan pud kay daghan pa pwedeng mahitabo basta Mixed Martial Arts (MMA),” said Caniga.

Meanwhile, Cebuano MMA fans will get a chance to witness in action for the first time top Pinoy martial artist Eduard ‘Landslide’ Folayang, who is gunning for another URCC win against Brazilian Wadson “Knockout” Teixeira. Folyang is the reigning URCC welterweight championship. - THE FREEMAN