| |
|
FEARLESS FIGHTING TO THRIVE ON VISIT OF UFC BIG GUNS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 26 Sep 2008
Mixed Martial Arts has been given a major boost with the visit of Ultimate Fighting Championship ? UFC ? Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and two-time UFC champion Chuck ?The Iceman? Liddell to Manila.
In fact the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN?s ?Balls? cable channel which is the Philippine partner of UFC plan to stage the first UFC event in Manila sometime in May next year.
Both were guests on the ANC Channel on ?Korina Today? which was hosted by TJ Manotoc and gave every indication that they would love to be in Manila where the sport has tremendous potential for growth.
In fact over four thousand fans, some of whom had been lining up for three hours, packed the SM Mall of Asia to watch ?Iceman? show off his trademark moves during an open workout.
?Mabuhay [or'Welcome'],? he said to his throng of cheering International fans. ?I was really surprised. It was kinda shocking how many people actually showed up to watch me work out for an hour. It?s crazy. I didn?t expect it to be that big here. I thought it was a new market for us.? After the event fans mobbed the ring in order to get an autograph. Iceman obliged signing T-Shirts, hats and even beer cans.
It is against this increasing interest especially among the young in Mixed Martial Arts Fearless Fighting telecasts the final one-hour show in its ?Intensity 8? series at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26 over IBC 13.
Using the Octagon which is a highpoint of UFC and is being used by Fearless Fighting adds an exciting dimension to the MMA competition.
The main event features an eagerly-awaited rematch between Filipino middleweight champion Adrian Hillana and Iran?s Razi Jabarri held at the spanking new Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.
It was a terrific battle that had the fans on their feet throughout and a fight that set the tone for future events.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
, Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
, Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
, Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
, Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
, Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
, Wed, 11 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
, Wed, 11 Feb 2026IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
, Wed, 11 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
