YAWYAN ARDIGMA Cebu’s Johnlery “Ian” Caniga dominated the one-day MMA tournament in Pacifica, California, USA dubbed the Navarro’s Mixed Martial Arts Championships last Saturday.
Caniga, the first Cebuano to compete in the tournament, ruled the stick-fighting category of arins and defeated bigger opponents in the Muay Thai kick boxing event. He also finished first in the galo division of the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and claimed third place in the No-Gi category.
The 20-year old BS Criminology student from the University of Cebu received a pair of 22-karat gold rings for his wins. Aside from that, he also received a life-size trophy and cash purse.
His father Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga, expressed said he is very proud of his son. CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL