Mariano Jones is aiming for back-to-back triumphs in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jones will be going up against Filipino welterweight Arvin “Sharpshooter” Chan in a no. 1 contender duel, which will serve as the co-main event at URCC 84 Rage on April 25 at Xylo at the Palace in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
During the fight’s news conference in BGC over the weekend, the Costa Rican fighter told reporters, “I hope this fight will show all the LGBTQIA+ members not to be afraid to be themselves and pursue their dreams in whatever field or profession they choose without the fear of being judged.
“Sexuality and performance have nothing to do with each other. I am dedicating this fight 100-percent to them.”
Jones, 26, also known as the “Hitman,” admitted that he doesn’t care what others may say about him. What’s important to him is pursuing a great career in MMA.
“I don’t put labels on myself or others, but since I am into trans, I would probably fall in the B part of the LGBTQ since I also like girls. I just live my life and do what I want without caring what others think about me,” explained the Manila-based fighter.
The fight is supported by Nuebe Gaming, the most trusted online casino in the Philippines, and the flavorful Vietnamese Highlands Coffee.
After his impressive debut in MMA with a first-round technical knockout win over Gester Maglaque in last December’s URCC 81 Decades of Success, Jones (1-0) said he would take care of business first by beating Chan.
“This is a bad-blood fight between two individuals with opposing values and views, and it will make an electric matchup for the fans. I’ve studied my opponent thoroughly and prepared rigorously to be able to handle anything he throws my way. I’m expecting a violent finish in the first round,” he said.
Chan refused to speak much about the upcoming fight but guaranteed everyone that he would get the job done on the fight night, saying he was busy working on improving his stamina as he aims to knock out Jones.
“I don’t want to say anything for now to avoid distractions because it’s only 11 days left before the fight, but I will knock him out,” said the 33-year-old Chan (8-9). “I have focused on improving my stamina and wrestling skills.”
In the other main event fight, jiu-jitsu black belts Eros Baluyot (1-0) and Elouie Federic Sevilla (6-3) will face off in a flyweight MMA bout. A lone women’s strawweight bout between Jomary Torres and undefeated Mariane Mariano will also take place.
In the preliminary bouts, Rex De Lara will meet John Carranza in the featherweight class, while Rhino Casipe will square off with Kervin Lampacan in the flyweight division. Marvin Dela Cruz will battle Denzel Dimaguila in a flyweight bout.
In amateur bouts, Jerald Galangue will slug it out with Chuckie Ruis in the strawweight division. Meanwhile, Jan Ilarde will collide against AJ Castellano in the heavyweight division.
In the first-ever slap rap battle in URCC history, Ronmar A. Tubig (South Piezze) battles Joneil Deo Destreza (Sirdeo). Then John Kenneth Reyes (Cloza Mafia) faces Daniel Ray Wiggins (Taz Wiggins).
