Laban MMA to stage more bouts for Filipino fighters

MANILA, Philippines — Too many fighters and yet the fight cards are few.

The Pacific Xtreme Combat has addressed this growing concern by unveiling Laban MMA, a grassroots program for thousands of up-and-coming Filipino fighters who want to climb the big stage.

Promoter Erwin Tagle said Laban MMA’s first leg will be held at Lipa City Youth and Cultural Center in Batangas on Aug. 30.

Tagle, a former MMA practitioner himself, said Laban MMA’s initial salvo would feature nine bouts and would be replicated in other provinces in the coming months.

“Many fighters never had the chance to fight on a bigger MMA arena,” said Tagle during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Featherweights Aldwin Recede and Neil Larana, flyweights Wallen Del Rosario and Jimboy Panlita and featherweights Ruel Rio and Socratis Pasaol are among those seeing action in Batangas.