UFC Weekend: An Important Time for Philippine Mixed Martial Arts

On June 1^st Manila time, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to stage two separate fight cards on the same day. One will be the promotion’s first ever event in Berlin, Germany, and the other is the 42^nd edition of the promotion's Fight Night series being hosted in Sao Paolo, Brazil.



“The Filipino Wrecking Machine” in Berlin

Photo courtesy of Mark Munoz's official Facebook page. Property of the UFC.

The Germany card will be headlined by a 5-round affair between Mark Munoz (13-4) and Gegard Mousasi (34-43-2). Just a win away from title contention two years ago, “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” looks to get himself back in the mix with a victory over the former Strikeforce middleweight champion.
Going 1-2 in his last three bouts, it is crucial for Munoz to obtain a win over “the Armenian Assassin”, not only to shore up his record, but more importantly to further stake his claim as a title contender. While Munoz may have not sustained as much damage in MMA as he started at the peak age of 29, he's now 36 years old, and time is always of the essence when it comes to title opportunities in any sport.
When the cage door closes for the main event in Berlin, “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” gets a chance to make his kababayans proud by displaying his skill and work ethic, and earning a signature win over a decorated opponent.



Eddiva Fights Once Again in Opponent Territory

Photo courtesy of the Team Lakay official Facebook page. Property of the UFC.

The stakes will be high in Brazil, as Mark Eddiva (6-0) out of Team Lakay takes on the host country’s own Kevin Souza (14-3). Apart from putting his own undefeated streak on the line, Eddiva’s bout against the feared Brazilian striker (13 of 14 wins via KO) will possibly be what sets the stage for having more Filipino mixed martial artists competing in the biggest MMA promotion of all.
As recently as just over a year ago, Filipinos were greatly anticipating when a home-grown fighter would compete in the UFC. Eventually, Eddiva’s Team Lakay teammate, Dave “The Scarecrow” Galera, would be the first to grace the octagon. A few months later, Eddiva would become the second, making his promotional debut by defeating heavily favored Chinese fighter Jumabieke Teurxun at UFC Fight Night 28 in Macau .
With a Pinoy fighter competing in the big show now a reality, it is presently up to Eddiva to continue pushing the bar for homegrown Filipinos in the UFC. Come June 1^st, he has the opportunity to show even more of what Filipino mixed martial artists are capable of by earning what would once again be considered an upset win in opponent territory.



Catch UFC Fight Night: Munoz vs. Mousasi on June 1st (MNL) at 3:30am and 6:00pm, and
UFC Fight Night: Miocic vs. Maldonado also on June 1st at 10:30am, both aired locally on Balls Channel.