In its first foray in the Philippines, UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber featured five fighters with Filipino decent. These five were Filipino-American’s Mark Munoz, Philippe Nover, and Nolan Ticman, Fil-Guamanian Jon Delos Reyes, and local fighters Mark Eddiva and Roldan Sangcha-an.
However, as of publishing, the UFC only have five fighters with Filipino blood on their current roster (reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler, bantamweight “The Magician” Jon Dodson, Ultimate Fighter finalist Philippe Nover, Fil-Guamanian Jon delos Reyes, and Team Lakay’s Roldan “The Executioner” Sangcha-An).
Looking to infuse the card with Filipino flavor, various Filipino fighters from regional promotion Pacific Xtreme Combat and local league Universal Reality Combat Challenge made their case on social media on why they should be included in the much-awaited event.
Reigning PXC Flyweight champion Jenel Lausa (6-2) was inspired to chase his UFC dream after a public grappling session with Jon Dodson last week. “It’s my dream to become a UFC fighter because it’s the ultimate destination for every MMA fighter,” Lausa told Nissi Icasiano of Rappler. “I hope that the UFC can notice me and give me a call for the second Manila card. I promise to be 100 percent ready.”
Fellow PXC fighter Rolando Dy (7-4) did not hide his desire to be with the UFC after his 23-second knockout win over Koyomi Matsushima during PXC 53. “I expect a UFC contract, please give me that UFC contract or please give me a title shot,” Dy told Tiebreaker Times.
Want pageantry and a show? Carlo “The Samurai” Laurel (3-3) threw his name into the mix. The flamboyant fighter posted this on his Facebook page following the announcement of UFC Manila 2.
Reigning URCC Lightweight champion – the national champion of the Philippines – Will “The Kill” Chope (32-10), a one-time UFC fighter, is still dreaming that he could one day return to the big stage.
With UFC Fight Night Manila 2 just three months away, these four warriors are looking to step-up their game to hopefully be given a chance by the UFC brass. If not, this will serve as an inspiration for them to push through with their chosen path.
