Noblefranca ready for first title defense

Reigning YawYan Fighting Challenge (YFCC) junior lightweight champion Renan “Flash” Noblefranca is optimistic of his chances in his first title defense against challenger Arnel “Ronin X” Ylanan of Island Grapplers MMA this coming May 15 in the main event of the “Bakbakan sa San Remigio” at the Artemio Masbate Sports Complex.

“Even though I trained for this fight only for a short time, I am confident that I can finish the fight beyond expectations,” said Noblefranca during last Thursday’s press conference.

Joining him in the press conference were Ylanan and his managers, Dino and Pj Tormis, along with YawYan Ardigma Cebu chief Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga Jr.

Noblefranca and Ylanan faced the public last Thursday to promote their out-of-town duel organized by Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu and the municipality of San Remegio.

Both fighters’ camps were wary about the conditions of their bets because the fight was announced late, which gave them just a little time to prepare.

Tormis said Ylanan only trained for a week but he is still confident that his fighter can defeat Noblefranca. The title fights is scheduled for five rounds.

“The fight was planned for a short time but I am confident that these fighters will showcase their best in front of the crowd in San Remegio,” said Caniga Jr.

Meanwhile, the unbeaten Jordan “Labuyo” Balcita of Yaw-Yan ArDigma-Fervilleon Manila will go up against MMA journey man Johnjier “Durex Danger” Torbiso of Durex Dragon Kickboxing Club of Lapu-Lapu City.

The hard hitting Ronilo “Buffalo” Espra of Arcomjukai Kickboxing Club of Mandaue will also have a showdown against Junrey “Tongboo” Soquite of Durex Dragon.

The full-contact tournament serves as a qualifying phase for the sixth installment of the highly-successful “Ground & Pound” series slated on Aug. 31 at the Cebu Coliseum.