Serenio, Flores ready for MMA tiff

Soma Kickboxing Club’s James “Spider” Serenio stakes his unbeaten record when he faces Komjyokai Aikijutsu’s Jafet Flores in the main event of Soma Promotion’s “Who Are You? Unleash the unstoppable” Mixed Martial Arts fight card slated on June 30 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Serenio, who sports a 5-0 (win-loss) record, is ready for his big fight against Flores in the 121lb division.

“Even though I have an unbeaten record, I still consider it a stroke of luck. This will be my biggest test in my MMA career,” said Serenio during last Wednesday’s official launching at the Amnesia Bar at the North Reclamation Area.

Serenio’s previous bout was last year also in Mandaue City, where he defeated Ali Malawi, the founder of Malawi Fighting system, via technical knockout.

The Serenio-Flores bout serves as the main event of the night after Projectile’s Pit Muay Thai chief instructor Gino Po backed out against SOMA’s Joerick Rivera after the former reportedly had a motorcycle accident last month.

With Po out, Rivera is expected to be pitted against one of Durex Dragon’s fighters.

The official launching was attended by the participating MMA clubs of Cebu City headed by SOMA, Yawyan Ardigma, Durex Dragons Kick boxing club, Bullet Muay Thai, Komjyokai Aikijutsu, Projectiles Pit Muay Thai and Arcomjukai martial arts club.

SOMA Promotions is aiming to develop the quality of Cebuano fighters and also give them more exposure.

Other fights include David “Venom” Po of SOMA vs. Sherwin Pogales of Komjyokai Aikijutsu, Cyrus “Knight Hawk” Noquera vs. Lanly Palagtiw of Komjyokai Aikijutsu, Jepol Noquera vs. Axel “Specialist” Cabalhug, and Marcelino “Fury” Abayle vs. Edmar Sumbi of Arcomjukai.

Cebu Top Yaw-yan Ardigma will also have its baptism of fire when its fighters compete in the event.

Veteran URCC fighter Geronimo “Dare Devil” Etac will spearhead Cebu Top team as he faces Joseleo “Bull” Rodrigo of Bullet Fighting system in the 120lb division. Slotty Avila will fight John Edu “Excalibur” Cabalhug of Durex Dragons in the 120lb division. Rolando Nacua will make his debut against Moises “Tarxan” Nudalo of Bullet fighting system in the 132lbs division while Renante “Flash” Noblefranca fights Arnel Ylanan.

Allan Epile’s son, John Dave, will fight Jaspar Berdin while Romelo “Mad Dog” Esfra of Arcomjukai takes on Durex Dragon’s Junrey Soquite in the 140lbs division.