For those who may have watched mixed martial arts, it is evident that the sport draws from different disciplines and is practiced in various forms. One of them is Juego Todo, a loosely regulated style of competition that allows fighters to combine techniques from multiple martial arts.

After numerous invitations from Underground Battle Mixed Martial Arts founder and chief executive officer Ferdinand Abadilla Munsayac, it was at UGB 45: Blaze Fighting Championship 9 last April 25 that a clearer understanding of Juego Todo took shape.

The setting was similar to traditional MMA bouts I have seen, although there were notable differences. One was the use of armor and sticks in the first two rounds before full-contact striking and grappling were allowed.

As explained by Munsayac, fighters begin the first round using sticks, while also being allowed to use their feet and knees.

If fighters advance to the second round, they compete with a single stick, which allows them to use their free hand to punch. There are instances, however, when a fighter may lose possession of the stick.

In these situations, the ruling depends on whether the bout is amateur or professional. In amateur fights, a competitor may retrieve the stick at any point before the end of the round, though doing so results in a point deduction. At the professional level, losing a stick automatically costs the fighter a point.

“The only difference between amateur and pro: disarm amateur, you are allowed until the end of the round. Before the end of the round, pick up the stick, minus one. Pro, once you lose the stick, automatic minus one,” Munsayac explained.

Juego Todo: The Way to Go

Having been around for 12 years, Munsayac explained how Juego Todo evolved. He said it originated from the country’s national sport, Arnis, but remained limited to the amateur level.

“Our national sport, which is Arnis, has been around for the longest time. It was proclaimed in 2009 through Republic Act 9850 and became the national sport. But the problem is Arnis remained only at the amateur level. Juego Todo took it to the pro level. How Arnis was fought before, with fighters fully padded and competing on a mat, Juego Todo is the evolution of Filipino martial arts. We changed everything. We improved everything,” Munsayac said.

That evolution was on full display at UGB 45: Blaze Fighting Championship 9, which delivered a series of gritty and competitive matchups.

Some fights went the distance, while others ended early due to knockouts or injuries.

Fight results from UGB 45:

· Alexander Gauffo defeated Troy Andy Nagares via submission

· Dennis Quiñonero defeated Adrian Bulado via TKO

· El Paddolon defeated Mia Dominga via unanimous decision

· Anjune Gallanosa defeated Benjo Obiena via unanimous decision

· Micka Malipot defeated Jeria Mae Casemiro via TKO

· Ronnel Losabia defeated Renz Cabudbud via unanimous decision

· Alton John Fuentes defeated Rex Cabudbud via unanimous decision

· Limuel Malinao defeated Jerald Galangue via unanimous decision

· Jordan Bradley Cruz defeated Nikko Garrido via TKO

· Sean Kyrie Nagares defeated Saint Kristoff Vargas via unanimous decision

Munsayac also shared that 55 countries are currently waiting for licenses from Juego Todo.

After an action-packed event, there is little doubt that Juego Todo continues to gain momentum. As Munsayac emphasized, “Like I said before, this is the future of martial arts.”

Following the success of UGB 45: Blaze Fighting Championship 9, Munsayac said there are no plans to slow down. The next event is scheduled for July, followed by another in August.

“The next event should be in July with Blackbelt Magazine, and this is supposed to happen at the Rizal Coliseum. The next is August 29. This is for the first anniversary of Juego Todo being proclaimed as a pro league,” Munsayac said.