'The Snake' out to prove mettle

MANILA, Philippines - Andrew “The Snake” Benibe of Maic’s Gym hopes to dethrone reigning featherweight champion Ali Khatibi of DEFTAC when they clash in the Colt 45-Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) on Saturday at the World Trade Center.

The Benibe-Khatibi showdown is one of the four title bouts featured in the mixed martial arts event dubbed “Onslaught” and presented by URCC’s long-time supporter Colt 45.

Though a grappler by discipline, Khatibi, 24, can also deliver quick and hard leg strikes, thus making him a slight favorite in the event backed by Solar Sports, CS9, 99.5 RT, NU107, Getzmo? and Pinoy Exchange.

But Khatabi can’t take Benibe lightly since the 27-year-old veteran is being helped out by his former teammate and reigning URCC lightweight champion MJ Banaga, especially on ground battle.

Ticket prices are pegged at P300, P500 and P1,000. Tickets are available at Ticketnet (tel. no. 9115555). Globe GCash holders can now purchase tickets via GCash.

URCC president Alvin Aguilar said Benibe is now at the prime of his career, having trained long and hard for this tournament where the winners get the chance to fulfill their dream of competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the United States.

“We’re working out with UFC so that our own players will be given the chance to compete in the US. We’re going to send their videotapes to UFC afterwards. But I’m confident they will be given the rare opportunity to showcase their talents in the US,” said Aguilar.