Lions Nation MMA provides a promising look into its future as a team through the debut event of a startup promotion.
The La Trinidad, Benguet-based camp will introduce three of its up-and-comers at Zeus Combat League’s inaugural extravaganza titled “Ground Zero,” set to emanate live from the SM North Sky Dome in Quezon City on May 25.
Founded by Eduard Folayang, Joshua Pacio, Kevin Belingon, and Honorio Banario, Lions Nation MMA has become synonymous with excellence in the sport. Now, the esteemed stable puts the spotlight on Aaron Posawen, Denver Songaben, and Jahn Serbo.
Leading the charge for the group is Posawen, who will headline the affair by figuring in a compelling flyweight matchup against fellow blue-chip prospect Marwin Quirante.
The 24-year-old Cervantes, Ilocos Sur native boasts an impressive 4-1 record, with most of his wins ending in spectacular finishes.
What sets him apart from his more experienced teammates is his unique fighting style. He leans heavily on his wrestling prowess, dictating the pace with a relentless ground game, all while packing serious punching power in his fists.
His latest triumph was a showstopper in August 2023, a brutal knockout that shut the lights out on Jules Langaoan. It was a scene straight out of a highlight reel, with Posawen delivering a thunderous right hand followed by a hammerfist that sealed the deal in the second round.
Posawen finally gets the chance to strut his wares on a much bigger stage, taking on an adversary of equal caliber.
Quirante holds a respectable 2-1 standing and has been making waves in the professional ranks under the URCC banner.
The cousin of UFC veteran CJ De Tomas seeks redemption at Posawen’s expense after dropping a unanimous decision loss to Ezekiel Isidro in September 2023.
Accompanying Posawen are Songaben and Serbo, both looking to step out from the shadows of their more established comrades.
Songaben (1-1) makes his first appearance under the bright lights, locking horns with Jayson Miralpez (2-0) in a flyweight bout.
Meanwhile, Serbo (5-0) faces a litmus test as he battles Arsenio Balisacan (5-3) in a 120-pound catchweight contest.
Songaben has long been a fixture of local competitions in Benguet, yet the opportunity to showcase his skills at this level eluded him until he joined Lions Nation MMA.
The same can be said with Serbo, who commands attention with his dynamic and fast-paced offense.
However, Serbo lures a formidable foe in Balisacan, who has already earned his stripes in the prizefighting circuit.
It’s worth noting that Balisacan made his ONE Championship debut this past January in a losing effort opposite Changy Kara-Ool.
Folayang expressed his sheer joy that the trio — collectively hailed as the “Young Lions” — will at last receive their well-deserved exposure.
“I’m very happy for the three of them. Now, it’s their time to shine and reap the fruits of their hard labor,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
