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| URCC Global presents (L-R) Elias Duran, Janedie Bernardo, Kimbert Alintozio, Rocky Vergara, Map Soberano, URCC chairman Arnold Vegafria, URCC founder Alvin Aguilar, Angkas founder and CEO George Royeca, Marvin Delacruz, Ruel Catalan, and John Ornido during the URCC 80: Bare Madness press conference held last October 6, 2022 at the Xylo at the Palace in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Carlo Anolin) |
The first-ever bareknuckle exhibition bouts are set to hit the Philippine fight scene as Universal Reality Combat Championship announced it is staging “URCC 80: Bare Madness” on October 27, 2022 inside the Xylo in The Palace at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.
URCC founder Alvin Aguilar said the time to hold and appreciate bareknuckle fights has come. “When we pioneered the MMA fight concept back in 2002, people thought it was too violent, too risky. But look at MMA now. In the same way, it’s worth noting that BKF (Bareknuckle Fight) is steadily gaining popularity in the U.S. and Europe, so it’s only a matter of time before it enjoys mainstream acceptance here,” Aguilar said during a press conference held last October 6, 2022 at the Xylo Bar. Aguilar also said the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) has already approved the URCC’s new concept, adding also that the health and safety of the fighters will always be the priority.
URCC Global Chairman Arnold Vegafria believes that the sport holds much promise for a new breed fighters, whose speed and cunning can more than make up for the lack of brawn. “With the success of Filipino athletes in recent global competitions, we believe that Filipino fighters are meant for global domination, particularly for this more adrenaline-inducing sport,” Vegafria said. “Also, we at URCC feel that Filipino fight fans are clamoring for something more exciting, and this could very well what we’ve all been waiting for,“ he added.
Bannering URCC 80 are former dancer Kenjhons “Mr. Mainit” Serrano and Angkas rider and vlogger Map Soberano while other bare-knuckle bouts feature Rocky Vergara against Marvin Dela Cruz; Kimbert Alintozon against JV Baldonasa; and Mark Alcoba against Zarco Gales. Mixed martial arts (MMA) fights are also set highlighted by Ruel Catalan, member of renowned stable Catalan Fighting System, going up against Edrion Macatangay (125 lbs); Rex De Lara taking on Jayson Margallo (125 lbs); and John Ornido facing Janedie Bernado (135 lbs). For more information on URCC 80: Bare Madness including how to purchase tickets for the event, visit URCC Global's official website at urcc.global and official Facebook page.
