It started off with what most people say was a cheap shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya4Lsfvxhww
On Saturday, thespians Baron Geisler and Kiko Matos are set to face-off in a cage.
Much to the surprise of sports purists, the oldest mixed martial arts league in the Philippines has sanctioned a special bout pitting two individuals that have zero to no mixed martial arts experience. Moreover, the build-up to the fight seemed like it was straight out of the professional wrestling rounds with Geisler playing the face (hero) and Matos placed on the heel (villain) role.
Matos, 22, admitted last Tuesday at the PSA Forum held at Shakey’s Malate that this whole mixed martial arts experience is new to him. “I grew up in BF Homes, Paranaque. I was exposed to a group of people who practice Jiu-Jitsu,” the actor admitted. “I started MMA training two weeks ago just for this fight. I’m trained in boxing and striking and everything that is happening now is new to me.”
For the 22 year old actor, this bout is not about gaining notoriety nor fame; it’s about proving a point. “Kelangan ko siyang turuan ng leksyon,” he said numerous times. The lesson that both men want to spread going into this bout was that streetfighting is not the answer to solving feuds.
“One of the reasons why I started URCC was to give a proper venue for people to settle their differences,” URCC head honcho Alvin Aguilar said about booking the bout. “If you guys are going to fight at a bar, you guys are both actors and that doesn’t make sense for anybody.”
However, Matos was painted by the fans as the villain all throughout the build-up. The actor admitted that he has conditioned himself to ignore those who have jeered against him trough the help of his friends. “People will always say whatever. Kahit manahimik ka lang sa isang tabi may sasabihin pa rin ang mga tao,” he shared. “I can be the villain but people are coming out of the dark and are vouching for me. Na-appreciate ko pa nga sila kasi binibigyan nila ng kulay yung issue.”
With just a few days away from the bout, Matos offered no predictions on the two three-minute round bout in saying, “Para sa akin it’s too soon. Hangga’t hindi pa tapos yung laban ayoko manigurado. Gusto ko lang lagay sa isip ko na malakas yung kalaban,” he closed.
Publicity stunt or not, the promotion and both fighters are hoping that this fight can teach a lesson that unsanctioned fights is never the answer.
Geisler-Matos will serve as a special attraction bout on URCC Fight Night. The bout is headlined by a non-title fight pitting reigning URCC Light Heavyweight Champion Chris Hoffman facing Arvin Chan.
The card will happen on Saturday, June 25 at the Valkyrie Club, Palace Complex in Taguig City. Proceeds from the bout will be given to victims of political injustices.
