Independent ranking body for MMA mulled
THE GAMES and Amusements Board (Gab) is considering putting up an independent ranking body for mixed martial arts so that the country’s fighters can be ranked accordingly.
Gab supervisor Rolando Mendoza said this idea is possible with the help of the different MMA factions in the country.
Yawyan Ardigma CEO Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga Jr. suggested this to the Gab so he can put up more exciting MMA title bouts in Cebu.
“We will do our best to make this happen,” said Mendoza. “We want this to be very independent and we at GAB will be the ones who will rank the fighters.”
But in order for this to happen, Mendoza needs the support and unity of the Universal Reality Combat Championships (URCC) and its rival Pacific Extreme Combat (PXC). Local promotions in Cebu also have to their part to unite for the development of MMA in the country.
A good start will be the ranking of fighters in their respective weight divisions, just like in boxing.
“This might be very difficult for us but if we request all of the MMA groups in the country to help us with our cause, then this might take MMA to new heights,” added Mendoza.
Mendoza was present during yesterday’s press conference for the Ground and Pound VI: Invincible fight card at the Yawyan Ardigma headquarters at the Coast Pacific Building in Sancianko Street.
The upcoming fight card slated July 14 at the Cebu Coliseum will stake two title belts.
This move of putting two titles on the line is one step of making the Ground and Pound series the premier MMA outfit in the country.
Spearheading the fight card will be Mandaue United MMA (MUMMA) ace fighter Mark “The Terminator” Araneta, who will face off against Butuan Extreme MMA’s pride Lordy Rey “The Punhiser” Yamit for the Ground and Pound lightweight title.
MUMMA’s Steve “Lightning” Sevilleno also seeks revenge against his tormentor, Yawyan Ardigma Cebu’s pride Renante “Limbas” Noblefranca. Both will fight for the Yawyan Fighting Championship bantamweight title. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL
