The newly-formed Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP) will host the first-ever Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open from Oct. 14 to 16 at the Grand ballroom of the Marriott.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and NMMAPP President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, along with Secretary-General Alvin Aguilar, announced the 11-division event in Wednesday’s press conference.

“This is a good opportunity for all MMA fighters to show their fighting skills not only in some other fight promotions, but this is also a great avenue for them to fight for their flag and country in the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games,” Tolentino told reporters.

“Our Filipino fighters are known for their fighting skills and courage. I believe they will excel in this first Asian Open,” Tolentino added in the event that is also supported by 9 Dynasty. “But every country here in Asia is competitive and strong because all of them have a strong MMA background.”

To sweeten the competition, Tolentino announced that all the 11 winners of each division will take home cash rewards. 

Gold medalist will bag $8,000, while silver and bronze medalist will earn $4,000 and $2,000, respectively.

Tolentino added the sport’s grassroots will be an integral part of the growth of the MMA fighters.

“MMA has always been popular but only recently we will enter at an amateur level,” Tolentino said. “That’s why the foundation must be strong. This will be a huge event.”

Aguilar, the country’s founding father of Philippine MMA and president of Wrestling Association of the Philippines, assured the safety of all competing fighters particularly the Filipinos who expressed their desire to compete like Arvin Chan, Annie Parungao, Carlo Laurel, and Geli Bulaong.

“We have 10 confirmed to join in the competition,” Aguilar said. “We are also in the process of our own arrangements for choosing our athletes. We have our trials to make sure we will field the best Filipino mixed martial artists for this tournament.”