Solaire Resort & Casino’s Grand Ballroom was the place for Tuesday’s press conference for the much awaited UFC Fight Night: Manila that will be headlined by former UFC Lightweight Champion, Frankie Edgar and former WEC Featherweight Champion, Urijah Faber, on May 16, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Both fighters, who are in title contention, expressed their confidence and excitement to showcase their skills in Manila, which is the only UFC event in South East Asia this year.
“This is awesome! The fans are really in love on what me and Urijah are gonna bring.” Edgar said. “I have just been here for a day, and I can see how passionate the Filipino fans are. I cant wait to put on a show on May 16,” the #1 ranked featherweight added.
“I know how the Filipinos support and love the sport, I’m excited to be back here and to be part of history to headline the first UFC event in Manila,” the former WEC Featherweight champion Faber told the members of the press.
The biggest news, however, at the press conference was when, UFC Asia executive vice president, Ken Berger announced that hometown favorite Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz has been added to the stacked UFC Manila card in what would be his last fight.
Munoz will be facing Englishman Luke “Bigslow” Barnatt, who has a record of 10-2 with 6 wins coming by way of knockout. The 26-year-old Barnatt is also one of the tallest fighters at 185 at 6’6″.
“I’m very happy and I’m gonna be prepared. Philippines is my homeland and is very near in my heart, I grew up very Filipino, and I can’t wait to perform in front of my Kababayans,” said the 37-year-old Muñoz. [READ: The Journey Ends in Manila for Mark Munoz]
Muñoz will be the fifth Filipino who will compete in the UFC’s May 16 card in Manila. He will join Mark Eddiva, Roldan Sangcha-an, Nolan Ticman and Phillipe Nover.
Tickets for the UFC Fight Night Manila event will go on sale on Friday, March 13 and prices are as follows (in Philippine Peso):
VIP: 13,250
Patron: 10,600
Lower Box A: 7,950
Lower Box B: 5,830
Upper Box: 3,710
General Admission: 1,590
