Brooks to make debut in Mindanao MMA card

AFTER being deprived of a rousing debut in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) scene, British Cris “Lindol” Thompson-Brooks  of the Yawyan Ardigma Cebu will have another chance when he fights in the undercard of the Mindanao Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts’ (MUMMA) The Proving Ground – Warshock fight card on Aug. 25 at the Liceo de Cagayan University Gym in Cagayan de Oro City.

The heavyweight Brooks was disappointed with the last minute withdrawal of his Boholano opponent in last July 14’s Ground and Pound VI:Invincible in Cebu.

This time, he faces a smaller Davaoeño in Gygz Ocampo of the Pythons’ Pit Davao in the sixth bout of the fight card.

Brooks is training under the supervision of renowned MMA master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga Jr., the founder and CEO of Yawyan Ardigma Cebu.

Ocampo is known as a slugger while Brooks is a technical and power puncher.

Brook’s teammate, Universal Reality Combat Championships (URCC) veteran fighter Geronimo “Daredevil” Etac, will fight Manila’s Rabin Catalan of Tricks MMA team in the seventh bout.

A win will be important for Etac and Brooks as it will open up opportunities for the both of them.

Etac is the no. 1 contender in the URCC Visayas pinweight division Victor Torre relinquished the title due to a breach of contract against URCC after fighting in a different promotional outfit earlier this year here in Cebu.

Brooks’ first win will be his proving ground if he is worthy to be included in next year’s URCC fight card in Cebu, which is scheduled days before the Sinulog Mardi Gras.

Meanwhile, Durex Dragons Lapu-lapu’s Johnjier “Dangerous” Torbiso eyes revenge against MUMMA-Cagayan De Oro’s Rocky Tune Batolbatol in their rematch in the main event.

Batolbatol beat Torbiso via submission in their first encounter last July 14. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL