Jahn Serbo and McLeary Ornido left the SM North Edsa Sky Dome in Quezon City on Saturday night with gold draped on their shoulders.
Both men prevailed in their respective championship bouts on the main card of Zeus Combat League’s sophomore event entitled “Supremacy.”
Serbo claimed the inaugural ZCL strawweight title by submitting seasoned opponent Fernando Venus in the second round.
The 26-year-old prospect from Baguio City skillfully withstood a barrage of high kicks and overhand lefts from Venus, a Muay Thai specialist, before taking the fight to the ground.
Once he had Venus on his back, “The Prince” took control, employing an overwhelming top game and delivering short, crisp strikes.
Struggling against Serbo’s grappling for the first five minutes, Venus launched a desperate offensive in a bid to turn the tide. However, his reckless attacks opened the door for Serbo to bring him back to the mats.
There, the Lions Nation MMA member deftly fastened his signature triangle choke. The hold was inescapable, forcing Venus to tap and lifting Serbo’s professional record to a pristine 6-0 while earning the prominent La Trinidad, Benguet-based stable another titleholder — this time at the local level.
On the other hand, Ornido delivered a one-sided performance, overwhelming Carlo Laurel in less than two rounds to capture the available ZCL bantamweight strap.
“Showtime” battered Laurel with relentless combinations, leaving the Philippine MMA mainstay bloodied and bruised.
Veteran referee Joey Lepiten stepped in during the second frame to call a halt to the contest, sparing Laurel further punishment.
The action-packed event also saw three other divisional champions crowned.
Ef Sevilla took home the ZCL flyweight crown with a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Genil Francisco.
Meanwhile, Mhar John Manahan pulled off a stunning upset, submitting Greg Valerio in the third round to occupy the upstart promotion’s featherweight throne.
Lastly, Hero Manguray outlasted Joris Jonker in a grueling five-round battle to become the first ZCL welterweight champion via a razor-thin unanimous decision.
