Top 3 MMA fights of “Pride of a Nation”

SINGAPORE – OneFC is the Asia Pacific region’s equivalent of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and is subsequently Asia’s premier Mixed Martial Arts organization.

Based in Singapore, it brings raw action and drama to the Philippines where MMA has undoubtedly increased its popularity over recent years.

The Philippines is obviously known for Manny Pacquiao, who has brought boxing back to mainstream popularity, but there is an undeniably huge contingent of MMA fans in the country. 

Boxing is certainly different from MMA. One could say that boxing is only a single aspect of MMA, which apart from the fists also allow the use of leg kicks, elbows, knees, wrestling and a myriad of fight ending maneuvers called ‘submissions’.

Mixed Martial Arts is, as the name implies, a mixture of multiple fighting disciplines into a single, coherent, combat system with a specific set of rules. Fighters well versed in muay thai, jiu jitsu, wrestling, and even good old fashioned karate train night and day for months, until all the hard work culminates at the center of the cage on fight night.

OneFC’s event on Friday, August 31 promises some good, all-action fights. This will certainly be an awesome evening that fans of the sport will not want to miss. Here are a few things to look out for.

Edward Folayang
Filipino MMA Stalwart

 

Edward Folayang is MMA’s equivalent to Manny Pacquiao. He’s certainly one of the best Mixed Martial Artists the country has produced — and now, for one night only, he gets to perform in front of his countrymen.

Folayang will certainly not disappoint as he features an unlimited reservoir of stamina. Whilst other fighters have a second wind, Folayang digs deep to find a third, and sometimes even a fourth. He’s a Wushu fighter who never stops coming, always keeping the pressure on his opponent with good solid Muay Thai.

With thousands of Filipinos sure to witness this event, Folayang looks to put on a show and get the victory in decisive fashion, either by knockout or submission.

Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia vs Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski
Battle of Heavyweight Legends

If there was a fight that looks to steal the show, this should be it. This contest puts two former UFC Heavyweight elites together in one cage — with both fighters intent on duking it out at the center of the cage with their fan-friendly styles.

Both Arlovski and Sylvia are known for their relentless, all-out aggression and explosive knockout power. Arlovski, for a period of time, was the #1 one heavyweight in the world. He’s known for his awesome arsenal of lightning quick strikes and destructive power.

Perhaps what stands out the most is his ferociousness inside the octagon. Arlovski can smell blood and if he senses his opponent is ready for the taking, he moves in for the kill which has resulted in an impressive highlight reel of knockouts over his career.

Sylvia is no different. “The Maine-iac” boasts overwhelming brute strength and a no-fear approach to striking. He’ll stand and trade with the best in the world and has no problem taking punishment to dish some out. Sylvia’s perfect combination of dominant size and nimble quickness makes him a dangerous foe. With a wide range of strikes, he can also knock an opponent out with a multitude of different moves.

Arlovski and Sylvia had previously met before and have formed somewhat of a rivalry. Needless to say, they pretty much hate each other so this fight should be awesome. Sylvia holds a 2-1 win ratio over Arlovski, so this is Arlovski’s chance to even up the score.

Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes vs Gustavo Falciroli
The Main Event

For all intents and purposes, the main event of Friday night’s fight card pits two of the world’s most skilled practitioners of MMA against each other in an even battle of wits and technique. Both are devastating strikers with above average stand-up, particularly Fernandes who is known for boundless energy, explosive grappling and takedowns, and blindlingly fast strikes.

Falciroli, who fights out of Australia, is certainly not one to overlook either. The CFC Bantamweight Champion is a seasoned submission artist who holds a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Juitsu. Falciroli can end the fight abruptly if Fernandes makes any type of careless mistake.

Philippine MMA fights are no doubt, in for a treat. – Rappler.com/photos by Joshua Albelda