Gerry Peñalosa (center) with Jenel Lausa (left) and Carlos Caesar Peñalosa (right). Photo from Cebu Daily News
A former Filipino boxer champion has found himself in arguably the biggest match card of his career.
Jenel Lausa, a once undefeated boxer, will face China’s Yao Zhikui in the undercard of UFC Fight Night Manila on Oct. 15 at Mall of Asia Arena.
UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn will headline the match against Ricardo Lamas in what would be the 37-year-old’s return to the Octagon.
READ: Two new fights confirmed for UFC Fight Night Manila
Lausa, who went 7-0 in his professional boxing career, rides a four-fight winning streak and a 6-2 MMA record capturing the Pacific X-Treme Combat flyweight title in his last outing.
Standing the way of Lausa in his UFC debut is Yao (2-4-0), who fought in the undercard of the first UFC card in Manila.
Yao is a ranked wrestler in his home country of China but is also adept using his hands and feet.
READ: UFC: Penn eager for third world title shot
Another confirmed bout is a middleweight fight between Alex Nicholson (7-2-0) Sam Alvey (28-8-0).
Nicholson, who hails from Orlando, Florida, is a striker adept at the disciplines of boxing, Muay Thai, and, Tae Kwon Do and has knocked out six of his last seven opponents.
Alvey, who is dubbed “Smile’N” because of his penchant for smiling, rides a two-game winning streak going into his match in Manila.