‘The Magician’ brings UFC act to Manila

UFC Bantamweight John Dodson. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

JOHN “The Magician” Dodson, one of the quickest and most explosive warriors in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), will showcase his skills in the country.

The brawny bantamweight from Albuquerque, New Mexico, would be part of the card when the UFC brings another night of high-level mixed martial arts (MMA) fights at SM Mall of Asia Arena on Oct. 15.

Fresh from his knockout win over Manny Gamburyan, Dodson is in the country on a three-day tour courtesy of UFC and Cignal TV to share his expertise and combat experience as the world’s largest MMA organization continues to stretch its footprints in the Philippines.

Last year, UFC Fight Night Manila featured the showdown between longtime rivals Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber.

But the night belonged to Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz who, motivated by a roaring hometown audience, pummeled Luke Barnatt in a unanimous decision before retiring for good.

UFC officials promised another electrifying night to remember in October as the top MMA fighters in the world engage in the octagon in front of Filipino fans.

“We are very excited to be back in the Philippines,” said Kenneth Berger, executive vice president and general manager of UFC Asia.

“The consistently warm reception we received from Filipino fans and last year’s sold out event shows that the UFC has an incredibly strong following in the country,” he added.

Cignal TV has partnered with UFC in airing the action-packed bouts for the latter to strengthen its brand for the fast-growing Filipino MMA audience.

The Magician will flaunt his quick and explosive moves in an open workout today at 1 p.m. at Robinsons Place Manila where UFC Octagon Girl, Red Dela Cruz, will grace the affair.