La Salle bets headline URCC U-Challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Collegiate fighters get the chance to strut their wares as they compete in the Colt 45-Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) University Challenge 2011 Sept. 9 at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

The mixed martial arts event – now on its sixth year – features 16 amateur fights with the organizing URCC hoping to discover new talents and develop them to become future stars in the mold of Alvin Ramirez, Jerson Estoro and Karl Rodriguez.

Unlike in the pro tournaments, fights in the University Challenge will have three five-minute rounds with the fighters required to wear head gears for protection.

The opening match is at 7 p.m. Tickets are now available through Ticketworld (8919999). For details, visit www.urccmma.com.

“This is going to be an interesting tournament since collegiate MMA fighters are out to prove something,” said URCC founder and president Alvin Aguilar.

Two fights involving De La Salle University fighters – pinweight JR Rulloda and welterweight Meeshal Al Khuzeem – will highlight the event presented by Colt 45 and backed by Tribal Gear with Solar Sports, Rogue Magazine, 99.5rt, Synermaxx, TFC Bro Channel, and Pinoy Extreme Channel as media partners.

Other fighters out to make an impact in the event supported by Frenzy Condoms, Yoshinoya, VRP Medical Center, and Chris Sports are Jonie Cinco of Natkick MMA, Robin Pajantoy of Yaw Yan Buhawi, Jay-R Bermoy of University of Perpetual Help, Ronald Castro of New Era University and Jet Hermida of Technological Institute of the Philippines.

According to Aguilar, the best fighters in the event will be drafted and undergo intensive training under their competent coaches for possible professional fights.