UFC star visits Cebu, lauds Pinoy fighters

CEBU, Philippines - Ultimate Fighting Championship  bantamweight star Urijah ‘California Kid’ Faber heaped praises on the Filipino fighters as well as the fast-growing sport of Mixed Martial Arts  in the country during his Mall Tour the other day at SM City-Cebu.

Faber hit the Queen City of the South last Thursday as part of his 10-day trip that includes a series of seminars, community outreach projects and mall tours.

“MMA fans here are awesome and it makes me happy that my sport is gaining popularity in the Philippines,” said Faber, who showcased his striking and ground skills in a short demonstration at SM's activity center.

Faber, a close friend of Fil-Am middleweight contender Mark Muñoz, has high hopes that a Pinoy MMA fighter will become a UFC champion someday.

“No doubt, Filipino fighters will stand out in UFC. I have big respect for Filipino fighters that I knew in the US and all I can say is that you can’t match their heart when it comes to fighting,” Faber said. “I love the Philippines and I love Cebu. The weather is great, the people are awesome and I look forward to coming back here."

Faber, a former World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight champion, holds a 30-7 win-loss record. He, however, lost in his previous fight against UFC champion Renan Barao of Brazil via a controversial first round TKO. (FREEMAN)