Baron Geisler, Kiko Matos fight to two-round draw

MANILA, Philippines – The feud that started in a bar also culminated in a bar.

Actors turned mixed martial arts fighters Baron Geisler and Kiko Matos fought to a two-round draw in their much-publicized Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) open-weight exhibition match Saturday, June 25 at Valkyrie in Taguig City, Philippines. All 3 judges scored the fight 19-19.

The first round of action was dominated by Matos, who was able to mount Geisler and rain punches down on his opponent. Geisler made more of a fight of it in round two as he locked on a choke.

(READ: URCC finalizes rules for Baron Geisler vs Kiko Matos MMA bout)

The feud became public after video of Matos swinging punches at Geisler at a Quezon City bar in May went viral on social media. The two subsequently accepted an invitation from URCC founder Alvin Aguilar to settle their beef inside a mixed martial arts (MMA) cage.

The build-up to the bout was marked by unusual pre-fight gamesmanship, which included Geisler delivering a smooch to Matos during the contract signing on June 13, which was followed later in the day by an awkward hug from Geisler and subsequent kick from Matos.

Both men attended Friday’s weigh-in at the BAMF MMA Center in Parañaque despite not being mandated to make weight. During a promotional staredown, Matos pulled out a spray bottle which both men said afterwards contained urine and sprayed Geisler. A URCC official later claimed the bottle contained beer.

The Geisler vs Matos fight will not be included on the ABS-CBN broadcast of the event. – Rappler.com