The Philippines has long been making a mark in sports as it continues to produce numerous icons and heroes.
For instance, the boxing scene has acknowledged the names of Pancho Villa, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, Manny Pacquiao. Efren “Bata” Reyes, Django Bustamante, meanwhile, once conquered the world of billiards. And notably, for over four decades, Paeng Nepomuceno was the face of the world bowling.
In the recent Rio 2016, the silver medal in the women’s 53-kg weight division was bagged by Hidilyn Diaz, ending the Philippine Olympic medal drought that gave more hope and reason for the country to be optimistic when it comes to international Olympian Games.
Aside from the sports mentioned, the world of mixed martial arts shows a lot of opportunity for Filipino fighters as well. It has been proven by the world-class Pinoy MMA fighters Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz, Brandon “The Truth” Vera, Mark Eddiva and Jenel “Demolition Man” Lausa.
As they continue to mark a milestone in the arena, more and more Filipinos fighters are also encouraged to achieve their dreams. Hence, Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC), a Guam-based MMA events organizer was formed.
Three years after entering the Philippine MMA scene, PXC decided to change its direction and focused on developing new talents via their Laban MMA events, which is an effective grass roots program that gives opportunities to the aspiring fighters.
Laban MMA is a development league that provides a starting point for local fighters to begin their career path in becoming an international professional fighter. With PXC at the helm, expect an all-out MMA festivities complete with beautiful ring girls, dazzling lights and a cage that compliments the level of high-intensity fights. PXC Chief Operating Officer JP Calvo has been busy working hard to provide what the Filipino MMA fans deserve.
Laban MMA is being aired on TV 5 where fights are sponsored by known local brands such as Red Horse Beer, Solaire, Premium Condoms, Beer Below Zero, just to name a few.
ALL IN THE FAMILY. JP, Joey and EJ Calvo believes in the Filipino talent and will continue to give opportunities to deserving Filipino fighters via its Laban MMA events.
Joey Calvo, PXC’s President adds, “The PXC is consistently sending fighters to the world’s top MMA leagues and Laban MMA will provide a breeding ground for future MMA legends to begin their journey to the top.”
EJ Calvo, PXC’s CEO, reveals: “There’s a huge outcry from our fans and the MMA community in the Philippines for this league. The impact will be huge, and millions of new fans will be drawn to the sport as their hometown heroes compete for the opportunity to show their athletic skills and fighting spirit.”
In the recent Laban MMA in Metro Tent, MNLToday.ph witnessed the talents of some of the up and coming MMA fighters who displayed their fighting skills, much to the delight of the MMA fans.
As of this writing, Jenel Lausa had an impressive win during the recently concluded UFC Fight Night 101 in Melbourne, Australia. Lause, (7-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) knocked Yao Zhukui to the mat multiple times with his powerful right hand. After 15 minutes, Zhukui, who was an Ultimate Fighter China seminarilist, who (2-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC) was still standing, but lost on all three rounds on the judges’ scorecards.
Photo by Raymond Lee, MNLToday.ph
Photo by Raymond Lee, MNLToday.ph
Photo by Raymond Lee, MNLToday.ph
Photo by Raymond Lee, MNLToday.ph
Photo by Raymond Lee, MNLToday.ph
Photo by Raymond Lee, MNLToday.ph
There is no shadow of doubt that within the distant future, the Philippines will soon be celebrating the next sports icon in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. After all, Filipinos are naturally fighters with a lot of passion and a big heart.
