Eddiva can’t afford another loss at UFC Fight Night 85

BULACAN, Philippines – It may be a do-or-die situation for Filipino fighter Mark Eddiva as another loss could put him dangerously close to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s cut line.

The 30-year-old Baguio City native is booked to face New Zealand’s Daniel Hooker on the undercard of UFC Fight Night 85 on March 20 and enters the 3-round featherweight contest suffering from a two-fight losing skid.

Following his successful Octagon debut versus Jumabieke Tuerxun in March 2014, Eddiva succumbed to a second-round stoppage loss to Edimilson “Kevin” Souza two months later before yielding to Levan Makashvili via split decision in May 2015.

To compound the misery, his disappointing setback to Makashvili happened in UFC’s inaugural venture on Philippine shores.

Eddiva knows that a third-straight defeat inside the UFC cage may earn him the pink slip, similar to his teammate Dave Galera, who was released by the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion in July 2014.

“I know I am in a must-win situation because another loss in the Octagon can put me out of the UFC,” he told Rappler. “There’s pressure coming into the fight, but I’m prepared for this bout against Daniel Hooker.”

Even if it will most likely take only one win to get him out of the danger zone, Eddiva emphasized his desire to put on an impressive performance that will translate in a convincing victory.

“This is another chance to show the world that I can give them a good show in the Octagon, not just a win. With an exciting fight and remarkable performance, it will eventually give us the decisive victory,” he said.

In his 10-month hiatus, Eddiva had the opportunity to hone his ground game under the tutelage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt holders Stephen Kamphuis and John Baylon.

After picking up a pair of gold medals in both gi and no-gi categories of last October’s ArteSuave Manila, Baylon awarded Eddiva with a blue belt.

Outside the sporting realm, Eddiva passed the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers that was administered by the Professional Regulation Commission in March of the same year.

“It was a great experience. I was able to improve my grappling skills and ground game. Outside fighting, I received my teacher’s license. It was beneficial to both my personal life and fighting career,” Eddiva stated.

Eddiva stressed that he will accept whatever the outcome will be in his bout against Hooker, which takes place at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia.

“I will do my best my best because I invested a lot of time to prepare for Daniel Hooker. It’s now or never for me,” he shared. “If it is God’s will, then it’s God’s will that I will remain as a UFC fighter. If not, I have to trust Him and hold onto my faith.” – Rappler.com