Filipino MMA fighters call for government support

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Just as the sport of mixed martial arts continues to grow in the Philippines, two of its fighters call for the government’s support.

Eric Kelly and Honorio, featherweight contenders in One Championship, said its time for the Philippine government to invest in not only in the sport but across the whole landscape of competition.

Banario said Thursday during a press launch for One: Global Rivals they don’t receive enough financial support and asked if the government can provide a training facility not only for pro-fighters but for those who are interested to learn.

“Kulang kami sa support ng government especially monetary, kulang sa pera,” the 26-year-old Banario said. “Kailangan din ng training center and if they can provide a training center then we are all happy.”

“Training center not only for MMA, kailangan generalized from ball games to combat sports.”

Banario (8-6) will face Vaughn Donayre (8-4) in the undercard of the card that would take place at Mall of Asia Arena on April 15.

Kelly, who holds a record of 12 wins against two losses, added they even went to the local officials of Baguio City to ask for funds to invest on MMA but they claimed they hit a dead end right away.

“There’s no budget for the sport.”

“Sana konting support lang kasi nire-represent din namin ang Pilipinas,” the 33-year-old Kelly said. “Punta kami kila mayor at congressman sabihin walang budget, gawin nila kuha sila sa sarili nilang bulsa at yun ang ibibigay.”