Filipino mixed martial arts fighters are set to break new ground after conquering some of the prime opponents in the San Francisco Bay Area early this year.
Eight homegrown fighters will represent the country in the Universal Reality Combat Championship XXX Philippines vs China on July 8 at the Beijing Sports University Stadium.
Team Philippines will be bannered by URCC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Chris Valdez Hoffman of Deftac and women’s world flyweight title holder Geli Bulaong of Subsports Philippines.
“This is our chance to shine and there’s no stopping URCC and its world-class fighters from showing the world what we can do,” said URCC president Alvin Aguilar.
According to Aguilar, who also heads the Wrestling Association of the Philippines, their Beijing trip has the blessing of no less than President Rodrigo Duterte through the China-Philippines Martial Arts Development and the Cross Straight Sports Development Bureau.
Also donning the national colors are bantamweight rising star Rodian Menchavez of Catalan Fighting System, knockout artist Jojo Orao of Elorde Tandang Sora, top lightweight contender Raiaj Ordiz of Boss MMA and Rey King De Lara of Mumma Fight Factory.
Joining them are bantamweight champ Ralf Francisco and Paolo Castillo of Abao Combat Club.
Aguilar said the Philippines vs China MMA event has been endorsed by President Duterte to the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee Martial Arts Council.