The Philippines’ Golden Boy takes his talents to the world stage
Reigning URCC Flyweight Champion CJ de Tomas has been signed by the world’s biggest mixed martial arts promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship. And after signing his contract last Friday, he is set to make his debut on Saturday, June 17, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kailang, Singapore.
“Hindi ko mapaliwanag yung pakiramdaman ko nung una kong nalaman na may interest yung UFC sa akin,” the 20-year-old second-generation fighter told Tiebreaker Times.
“Sa totoo lang di nga ako nakatulog sa sobra saya.”
De Tomas, who owns an unblemished 8-0 record, has fought seven times in the URCC — his last bout coming by way of a unanimous decision against Alvin Ramirez last November. And he is thankful for the opportunity given to him by Alvin Aguilar and the URCC.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay sir Alvin sa tiwalang binigay niya sa akin,” he added. “Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, wala ako dito ngayon.
“Sisiguraduhin ko na dala ko ang URCC sa bawat laban ko.”
Standing in the Golden Boy’s way, though, is Japanese fighter Naoki Inoue (10-0).
With this new journey, the all-around Filipino prospect is willing to sacrifice his gym duties to pursue his life-long goal.
“I’m ready to sacrifice yung pagtuturo ko at maging isang full time fighter,” De Tomas vowed.
“Eat, train, sleep, repeat.”
De Tomas is the fourth homegrown fighter to be signed to the UFC. He is preceded by Dave Galera, Mark Eddiva, and Jenel Lausa, who is set to fight in the undercard of UFC 210 this Sunday.
