Serdone vows to dethrone Yamit in MMA title clash

CEBU, Philippines - Veteran Cebuano kickboxer Kru Robert ‘Maldito’ Serdone vowed to dethrone reigning Ground and Pound Championship (GPC) lightweight champion Lorde Rey ‘Punisher’ Yamit of Mindanao when they clash on the undercard of the keenly-awaited “Ground and Pound 7: Resolution” Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) showdown on August 31 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The pride of Redneos Iron Gladiator MMA of Talisay City expressed confidence that he will snatch the GPC title from Yamit, who will make the first defense of the crown he won with a masterful third round stoppage of Mark Araneta in the main event of GPC 6: Retribution last year at the Cebu Coliseum.

“I know that I am the underdog going up against the champion, but I am confident that I can get that belt from him (Yamit),” said Serdone, who sports an 8-2 win-loss record. “I have no plans of fighting him in the ground. My goal is to fight him standing up so that I can showcase my knockout skills.”

Serdone is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Ian Jundin last March at the Naga Sports Complex in Naga City south of Cebu.

Aside from defending his GPC belt, Yamit also hopes to bounce back from a second round knockout loss to Jimmy Yabo during the URCC-Cebu last January 20 at the Convention Hall of J Centre Mall.

“I am sure that this fight will not go the distance,” said Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu CEO/Founder Master Benigno "Ekin" R. Caniga, Jr. “This is another classic match of a grappler (Yamit) against a pure striker (Serdone). Let’s see who will prevail this time.”

The slambang show is headlined by Cebu-based British fighter Cris "Lindol" Brooks of  Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu, who will lock up horns with Davaoeño Lloyd Abucayan of Mindanao's Beefit Pythons Pit for the vacant GPC heavyweight crown.

Tickets are priced at P200 for the upperbox, P400 for the lowerbox, P750 for the ringside and P1,500 for the VIP seats.

For reservations and further information, one may call 255-8919, 255-1405 or call/txt 0932-4524999. (FREEMAN)