Fight Ground organizers eye developing grassroot talents

THE people behind the newly-formed Backfist Promotions are hoping that tomorrow’s San Mig Ice-Fight Ground Championships (FGC) III at the Mandaue Sports and Cultural Complex will be a major stepping stone for much bigger future promotions.

Joseph Lanuza, MMA patron Allan Avellanosa and matchmaker and MMA fighter Ali Malawi vowed during yesterday’s final press conference at the Chill-Out Resto Bar in Panagdaet, Mabolo that they will do their best to establish Cebu’s very own MMA promotion aimed at developing the sport in the grassroots level.

“We know that there were rumors circulating here in Cebu recently that we don’t fully support local fighters but with Allan Avellanosa on our side, we are sure that we can reach more local fighters,” said Lanuza.

FGC will be a spawning ground of future professional MMA fighters in the region and will be an elimination tournament for the Pacific Extreme Combat (PXC) Championships in Metro Manila.

“At least right now because of FGC and PXC joining hands, our local fighters will have a clear path in their MMA careers,” added Lanuza.

Avellanosa bared that they are also planning of bringing international fighters to compete in local tournaments and vice versa.

Meanwhile, MMA knock-out artist Romelo “Mad Dog” Esfra will defend his lightweight belt against Jiu-jitsu specialist and five-time MMA defending champion Victor Torre of Fight Club Bacolod.

To make the event more exciting, Back Fist Promotions has tapped the International Pharmaceutical Inc. (IPI) to build an octagon ring, which is the standard ring for an MMA bout.

“Nindot ni kay tagsa ra ta makakita og MMA nga octagon ang gamiton pareha sa atong makita sa UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship),” said Lanuza.

Also included in the card is the featherweight championship bout between Team Insider’s Adamson Torbiso against former pro boxer Alde de Soza of Bullet Muay Thai stable and the anticipated match between Jhonjier Torbiso of Durex Dragon and Danny Diaz Jr. of Tiger Stable. Six more undercard MMA bouts are expected to provide additional action.

Tickets are priced at P100 for general admission, P200 for lower box, P300 for ringside and P500 for VIP. Ticket includes a free beer and a raffle stub where t-shirts and cellphones re to be won. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL