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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider URCC introduces bare-knuckle exhibition fights

URCC introduces bare-knuckle exhibition fights

Published Oct 6, 2022 08:27 pm

The Universal Reality Combat Championship has introduced another format of fighting as it is set to hold bare-knuckle exhibition fights on Oct. 27 at the Xylo at the Palace in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

URCC Global presents (from left to right) 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 Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Xylo at the Palace in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (Carlo Anolin)

URCC founder Alvin Aguilar announced the development Thursday, Oct. 6, at the same venue during the official press conference for URCC 80: Bare Madness.

Though only set in an exhibition format, Aguilar believes that it is high time for bare-knuckle fights to materialize and the URCC will be holding the inaugural event two weeks from now.

"When we pioneered the MMA fight concept back in 2002, people thought it was too violent, too risky. But look at MMA now," said Aguilar.

“In the same way, it's worth noting that BKF is steadily gaining popularity in the US and Europe, so it's only a matter of time before it enjoys mainstream acceptance here."

URCC has been in communication with the Games and Amusements Board in order to formally introduce the bare-knuckle format soon at least in the amateur or the professional scene.

Aguilar added that the URCC also awaits the announcement of the new GAB chairman and also paid homage to former chief Baham Mitra for the service he had done not only in the mixed martial arts scene but in the sporting field in general.

"We (URCC) submitted our intent to hold a bare-knuckle bout so for now it's gonna be an exhibition bout," said Aguilar, an MMA practitioner himself who also experienced bare-knuckle fistfights in his prime. "Bareknuckle boxing has been around since the 1890s until this day. This is a form of boxing but people have to know that the gloves are there to protect the hands, not their heads."

Meanwhile, URCC chairman Arnold Vegafria believes that an event such as a bare-knuckle match could make heads turn and, sooner or later, could be used as scouting for potential fighters who want to test their mettle in the professional fighting scene.

"With the harvest of Filipino athletes in recent global competitions, we believe that Filipino fighters are meant for global domination, particularly for this more adrenaline-inducing sport," said Vegefria. "Also, we at URCC feel that Filipino fight fans are clamoring for something more exciting, and this could very well be what we've all been waiting for."

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.

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).

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