Filipino fighter Galera falters in UFC debut

THE first Philippine-based Filipino fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) David “Scarecrow” Galera of Team Lakay bowed down to Singapore’s Royston Wee in UFC Fight Night 34 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore Saturday night.

Galera, who was pointed out by many as the hope for the Philippines’ future in the UFC, came out short after he lost to Wee via unanimous decision, 30-26, in their bantamweight fight.

Wee showed his prowess in ground fighting by scoring a slam-takedown in the opening seconds and maintained his position on top of Galera in the entire first round. Wee dominated each round by using his excellent wrestling skills, keeping Galera on the ground. Wee kept on repeating his takedowns, which contributed huge points en-route to the victory.

Galera landed some kicks and couple of solid shots to Wee but an untimely illegal kick killed the former’s hope of winning the bout after he was deducted a point.

Meanwhile, Fil-American Jon delos Reyes completed the Filipino fighter’s winless night after he was forced to submission by American Dustin Kimura via an armbar at the 2:13 mark of the first round. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL WITH REPORTS FROM MMAJUNKIE.COM