Brooks, Abucayan set for historic title fight

CEBU, Philippines - For the first time in Cebu Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) history, two warriors will square off against each other in a MMA heavyweight championship match.

Cebu-based British fighter Cris "Lindol" Brooks of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu takes on Davaoeño Lloyd Abucayan of Mindanao's Beefit Pythons Pit for the vacant Ground and Pound Championship heavyweight belt in the main event of ‘GPC VII:Resolution’ this Saturday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

“We are all going to witness by far the biggest MMA fight in Cebu.  Expect that this Saturday fight fans will see high-caliber and exciting MMA fights inside the ring,” said Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu CEO/Founder Master Benigno "Ekin" R. Caniga, Jr.

The fight is considered to be a battle against a grappler and a striker as Abucayan will try to use his expertise in wrestling and judo to take down the British fighter, but Brooks is also confident in his striking skills that will deliver him the knockout victory.

“I have a big respect in him (Brooks) but I trust my skills and I want to go home carrying that belt,” said Abucayan in a press conference yesterday at the Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu headquarters.

"I'm a Yaw-Yan ArDigma fighter. I trained with the best and I learned a lot from the teachings of Master Ekin. I’m going for the knockout to get that belt,” said Brooks.

Aside from the GPC heavyweight showdown, the seventh installment of GPC will also feature three more title fights as Mindanao's Lorde Rey "Punisher" Yamit will make the first defense of his GPC lightweight crown against Kru Robert "Maldito" Serdone from Redneos Iron Gladiator MMA of Talisay City.

James "Spider" Serenio completes the explosive MMA championship triple-header as the undefeated Cebuano warrior will vie for the vacant GPC flyweight title against former URCC Visayan flyweight champion and PXC veteran Victor "Gladiator" Torre.

In the lone kickboxing duel that has been set a special attraction, Yaw-Yan Fighting Challenge (YFC) champion Renante "Limbas" Noblefranca will defend his throne for the second time against Marjun "Muma Warrior" Porriento, who is a former member of the Philippine Muay Thai team.

Fighting in the undercards are, Mark ‘Terminator’ Araneta vs. Rik ‘Hammer’ Cubillas, Maxlito ‘Hyper Eagle’ Yong vs. Frederick ‘Spider Lim, Erving ‘Zombie’ Mosico vs. Rocky Tune ‘Outlaw’ Batolbatol, Moises ‘Tarzan Boy’ Nudalo vs Urtych ‘Tank’ Allarin, Alex ‘Pilot’ Abraham vs. Perkins ‘Predator’ Calixto, Lemuel ‘Musang’ Maglinte vs. John Edu ‘Excalibur’ Torbiso, Ralp Loui ‘Silent Assassin’ Arcayan vs. Jess ‘Alpa’ Catayas and Leo ‘Lion X’ Rodrigo vs. Ismael ‘Tsunami Walk’ Gomez.

Tickets for swashbuckling MMA event 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)