MANILA, Philippines – Local mixed martial arts (MMA) fans were given a splendid treat by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as Filipino-American fighter John Dodson hosted an open workout on Saturday, June 25 at Robinsons Place in Manila.
The 31-year-old native of Albuquerque, New Mexico received a wild ovation from the crowd when he made his walk to the stage to strut his wares.
.@johndodsonmma received a wild ovation from the crowd. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/lw6P1JUwLy
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
Dodson worked on the kick pads with Pinoy combatant Joseph Mercado, who competed in MMA organizations such as Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) and Universal Reality Combat Championship.
.@JohnDodsonMMA works on the pads with Filipino MMA fighter Joseph Mercado. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/6lFu01awpI
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
The 5-foot-3 Jackson-Wink MMA standout also showed off his signature flying to the delight of the combat hooligans in attendance.
.@JohnDodsonMMA shows off his signature flying knee. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/5RWMjRE1ox
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
Dodson had a friendly grappling encounter with renowned Philippine MMA figure Erwin Tagle.
.@JohnDodsonMMA rolls with renowned Philippine MMA figure Erwin Tagle. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/bRHazNy1xg
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
.@JohnDodsonMMA makes Erwin Tagle tap with an anaconda choke. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/easWzyGkA6
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
PXC flyweight champion Jenel Lausa had the opportunity to roll with Dodson, who is a two-time UFC title contender.
Here is a glimpse of the friendly grappling match between Jenel Lausa and @JohnDodsonMMA. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/4krWEhINjL
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
.@JohnDodsonMMA caught Jenel Lausa with a standing guillotine. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/rI59otbCMN
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
Meanwhile, Dodson had a tough scrap with homegrown talent Eros Baluyot, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt who captured the gold medal at the 2010 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
.@JohnDodsonMMA had a tough scrap with Eros Baluyot. #UFCManila pic.twitter.com/2UyL6868wY
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) June 25, 2016
Dodson arrived in the country on Wednesday, June 22 for a 4-day promotional tour and likewise served as the bearer of good news for the UFC when he publicly announced on Thursday, June 23 that the world’s premier MMA organization will stage its second Philippine live event dubbed “Fight Night Manila 2” on October 15.
“The Magician” has already expressed his desire to be part of UFC Fight Night Manila 2 and is more than willing to be the Philippines’ flag bearer inside the Octagon.
Dodson is scheduled to leave the archipelago on Monday, June 27 and promised to return for the promotion’s second venture on Philippine shores. – Rappler.com
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