UFC to stage event in PH on May 16 – report

Nissi Icasiano

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

UFC to stage event in PH on May 16 – report

Laura Gilbert

The event will likely feature homegrown fighters like Roldan Sangcha-An and Mark Eddiva

MANILA, Philippines – The long-awaited Philippine visit of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) might come into fruition this year as the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion plans to stage its first event in the country on May 16.

According to a report by Combat Press, the organization is heading its way to the Philippines to host a fight card at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila that will likely feature homegrown talents like Roldan Sangcha-An and Mark Eddiva.

Meanwhile, Filipino-American stalwart Mark Muñoz remains uncertain to be part of the aforementioned affair as he is scheduled to compete against Roan Carneiro at UFC 184 on February 28 (March 1 in PH).

Although the UFC has not confirmed any details as of the moment, the same article stated that an official announcement is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

The UFC was reportedly aiming to hold a Manila event in late second quarter of last year, but head honcho Dana White publicly disclosed in May that the venture had been delayed.

However, White did not specifically elaborate on the reasons why the organization was unable to operate on local shores, but other international markets such as Singapore and Macau had opened in the meantime.

The Zuffa-owned company has long held interest in the Philippines, with plans for a “The Ultimate Fighter” reality television series based in the country being talked about as early as 2011.

While there are persistent teasers for a trip to the fight capital of Southeast Asia, the renowned MMA league has brought its top studs to the archipelago on numerous occasions.

Carlos Condit had a meet-and-greet session and open workout at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City last November 8, while Urijah Faber spearheaded a string of seminars, community outreaches, and mall tours last summer.

Aside from Condit and Faber, other UFC superstars also had stopovers in the country, with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Georges St-Pierre, BJ Penn, Mark Muñoz, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Alexander Gustafsson and Cung Le.

At a press conference this past November, the UFC included the Philippines as one of its potential destinations for 2015. – Rappler.com

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