Ex-champ, Pinoy fighters banner UFC Manila cast

MANILA, Philippines - Two Ultimate Fighting Championship legends and four Filipino fighters will spice up UFC’s first-ever fightcard in the country – the UFC Fight Night Manila – on May 16 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and perennial contender Urijah Faber will headline the blockbuster card as they clash in a five-round featherweight bout with the winner expected to gain the right to challenge for the crown.

“That superfight has title implications,” said UFC Asia’s Kenneth Berger in yesterday’s press conference graced by Edgar and Faber themselves at the Solaire Resort and Casino.

The two sluggers promised no less than a fierce duel come fight time.

“Fans have been clamoring for this fight for so long and I’m happy it’s happening,” said Edgar, known as “the Most Shady.”

“It’s Thrilla in Manila, East Coast, West Coast,” Faber, nicknamed “The California Kid,” for his part, said.

Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz has been included in the card at the last minute and will battle Luke Barnatt in a farewell fight while local-based fighters Mark Eddiva and Roldan Sangcha-an will mix it up with Alex White and Jon delos Reyes, respectively.

Fil-Am Philippe Nover, a New York-based nurse on the side and a former The Ultimate Fighter star, also hopes to make an impression as he tackles Yui Chul Nam.

Munoz, 37, said this is going to be his final fight.

“It’s my last fight because I’m planning to concentrate on coaching my children, one of whom are trying out wrestling,” said Munoz.