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MANILA, Philippines – With the aim to pit homegrown talents against high-caliber opponents on a global stage, Roots Fighting Championship (RFC) will hold its inaugural event on October 27 at the Baguio Convention Center in Baguio City, Benguet.
The card will feature five Filipino fighters going head-to-head with German counterparts.
Founded by a group young professionals in Baguio City including businessman Emyr Asis and Tatak Maharlikano owner Michael Bugnosen, RFC’s debut banners an 18-kickboxing bout lineup, which features six professional fights, five semi-pro matches, and seven amateur contests.
“RFC is created with only one thing in mind and that is to help our athletes reach their full potential. The promotion is made for the athletes and their pursuit to greatness. The biggest leverage RFC has is that we bring in top caliber international competition for our fighters,” said Asis, who serves as the promotion’s president.
The one-night affair is headlined by former Philippine national team member and 2007 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games bronze medalist Jay Olod (4-1) taking on Rene Stark (2-2) of Body Shock Germany in a five-round junior welterweight clash.
Meanwhile, Alvin Velasco makes his first prizefighting appearance after seven successful stints in the amateur ranks and donning the country’s colors in various international competitions as he locks horns with lightweight standout Khemissi Chenini (2-2).
Ernido Chatoy Jr. is likewise scheduled to make an initial splash in the professional scene by facing German light heavyweight prospect Tolga Retzep, while Jordan Bugnosen battles super heavyweight stalwart Hakim Yumusak.
Renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) stable Team Lakay will be sending a representative at RFC’s maiden event as Jessie Aguila meets Patrick Seum in a 175-pound scuffle.
Aside from the Philippines vs. Germany match-up, 2009 SEA games gold medal-winner Zaidi Laruan (3-0) squares off with fellow Pinoy Muay Thai contender Melchor Sarmiento (3-1).
According to Asis, RFC will not focus solely on kickboxing as the organization intends to showcase boxing, MMA and other combat sports on its future fight cards.
“We are planning to stage at least six events per year. RFC will not be limited to Muay Thai and kickboxing because the promotion will cater other forms of martial arts in the future such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and MMA,” he stated. – Rappler.com
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