MMA growth in Asia led by regional promotions

www.mixedmartialarts.com Regional promotions like Pacific X-treme Combat are setting the stage for a resurgence of mixed martial arts in Asia.  Instead of focusing solely on Japan, as was the case with past promotions like PrideFC and DREAMFC, today the most forward-looking companies are developing the sport in the Pacific Rim and China. 

 “If you look at the entire area, originally Japan was the only Asian country that was into MMA and then it kind of died out,” said legendary referee “Big” John McCarthy after officiating PXC 33 in Manila, which took place on September 1st 2012. McCarthy was referring to the serial demise of the two dominant Japanese promotions of the last 15 years, Pride FC, which shut down in 2007, and Fighting Entertainment Group, which produced DREAMFC and ceased operations in February 2012.  Despite the troubles of MMA in Japan, McCarthy sees opportunities for MMA in other parts of Asia because of the existing culture of martial arts and the increasing popularity of the lighter weight classes. “Now all the other countries in Asia are becoming involved and have so many good young lighter weight fighters that its just a matter of time before you see a lot of the top guys coming out of Asia again.”
McCarthy said he was surprised at how enthusiastic the fans in Manila were in the days leading up to PXC 33. “They are nuts about MMA, I’ve never been to a country where I was mobbed by more people everywhere I went than the Philippines, cooks coming out of the kitchen at the restaurants I'm eating at to meet me and things like that. It was amazing. They’re a fighting culture.”
The Philippines have long had a record of excellence with Boxing and the biggest boxing star in the world, six time World Champion, Manny Pacquiao hails from the island nation and is even a member of the Filipino congress.

PXC promoter EJ Calvo has high hopes for the roster of fighters his promotion is helping to develop in the Philippines.  PXC has prides itself as an incubator for the next generation of talent and as the place for fans to watch future superstars in the early stages of their careers before they break out in the UFC. “Our Flyweight, Bantamweight, Lightweight and Featherweight divisions are all full of young talent from the Philippines and with more experience against elite fighters from the region, we expect that the Philippines will produce some of the world's toughest, as it has in Boxing."   One name that stood out from PXC 33 was undefeated Filipino featherweight Mark Striegel.  Striegel submitted his opponent early in the first round and McCarthy predicted that fans would see him in the UFC within the year.

Calvo notes his promotions record of developing talent, instead of signing aging stars on the downside of their careers, a practice he criticizes in some of PXC’s competitors in the region.   PXC, he says, is where to see young hungry fighters on their way up. "We've released 2 of our top fighters to The UFC within the last three months including John Tuck who is competing in the UFC’s huge show in Macau on Nov 10th.  We fully anticipate that others will be getting similar opportunities soon. PXC focuses on match-ups between the Asia-Pacific region's elite fighters, and our fans love to see rising talent climbing the rankings! There's so much talent in the Asia-Pacific that PXC will always have a stacked card with future stars on the rise."
About PXC: Since is debut in 2004 Pacific X-treme Combat has produced over 50 professional and amateur events and is one of the longest running promotions in mixed martial arts.  Based on the island of Guam, PXC recently signed a major TV deal with TV5 for the Philippines, airing free-to-air nationwide. The most recent broadcast, PXC-33 in September, recorded almost 500,000 viewers in the Philippines during live broadcast.  PXC 34 will take place live in Manila in November and is planned to be PXC’s biggest event to date.

The post was from   http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/423167/MMA-growth-in-Asia-led-by-regional-promotions/ by The Ratel | source: pacificxtremecombat.com

Mark Munoz hosts MMA Clinic at the Gold's Gym in Libis in the Philippines

Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" made his way to the Philippines last February 18, 2012 to corner his fighter Raja Shippen for his fight at PXC 29 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Along with cornering his fighter, Munoz was also in his home country to trace his roots and also wants to share his knowledge of fighting MMA to the Filipinos.

Mark Munoz, a UFC fighter with a 12-2-0 record over his stints in the WEC and UFC is currently ranked among the top 10 middleweights of the world and is very close to a title shot with UFC middleweight kingpin Anderson "The Spider" Silva, held a training clinic for about 3 hours showing his top notch technique and also instilling the virtues of what it takes to become a world class fighter. He shared some of his favorite moves and gave a chance for the fans and media to chat with him, take pictures and sign autographs.

Check out Mark Munoz during the clinic, with some of the pictures and videos below.

Here are some videos of Mark during the training sessions and applying a D'Arce choke.

Hope you guys like the posts and thank you Mark for visiting the Philippines and sharing your knowledge, time and effort. It was a really great clinic and looking forward to your next visit.

Why are we drawn to MMA?

The sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is the fastest growing sport, and one of the most popular. It is a phenomenon that has grown exponentially every year, and continues to establish itself among the sports that have been around for far longer. But why the success? Why the interest? How did this seemingly brutal entertainment venue turn into one of the greatest sports of all time?


First things first, as already known to many, the UFC and MMA are two different things. However, the UFC, in terms of the success and growth of the sport, IS what MMA is using as its vessel into the higher echelons. UFC is a brand, an organization, a business—MMA is a sport, in which the UFC builds its business upon. The keyword here is business.

With any business, the driving factor and success comes from the consumer, client, or customer. In MMA, it is the fans. The sport is only as successful as the fans make it to be, and thus the constant draw of fans is crucial to survival and potential growth. So what does MMA offer to someone to make him or her a “fan”?

MMA started its lineage as a stylistic matchup between two fighters. The two opponents would normally have one particular martial art that they were a master in, pitted against a different style, with very few rules. Early UFC matches did not consist of defined weight classes or Unified Rules like what we have today. This draw had two facets to it.

The first, the stylistic aspect to the fighters sparked people’s curiosity. It was the “Can his style beat his style” concept, and many found it intriguing to see the result. Also, the fights were tournament based, so having the last man standing led to a conclusive perception of the “top martial art.”

Second, you had an entertainment source that pitted two fighters against each other, which in of itself is a great thing to watch. Some fans only wanted to see one thing: a guy get beaten, bloodied, or knocked out, and I think there are still some fans who only care about this.

In both senses, though, the underlying draw of the early stages of MMA and what it is today is that “gladiator” connection. What in the history of physical competition is more glorified and learned than the Colosseum, and the gladiators of the time? This was the ultimate entertainment venue in Rome for a long period of time, and the masses were drawn to it to witness the competitive nature of it all, or the danger and bloodshed that could come of it.

While not fighting to the death, MMA has the parallels of the old gladiator days. It is taking two people, putting them at the center of a surrounding crowd, and having them use all their mental and physical fortitude to come out the victor.

But why are we being drawn to this?

As humans we are competitive by nature, whether it be for land, food, companions, or just bragging rights. Our animalistic nature combined with our social institutions teaches us to be better than others in many ways. Sometimes it is out of being curious, sometimes it is out of pride; but either way, competition has always been a trait that has long been a part of human society.

Yes, there are flashy things to heighten the experience, and they do play small roles as well. Having scantily clad women parading around the arena is a stimulant that caters to the male audience, which is the biggest demographic. But the way the sport is structured plays a significant part as well.

In most other sports, you have teams to root for. Even in the Olympics, you are watching individual athletes perform, but are rooting more for the country. In MMA, you are rooting primarily for the solitary athlete himself/herself. Yes, they have camps and other teammates, but when the cage door shuts, it is all about the two fighters.

This sport allows people to rally behind one single person. Think of what is more exciting: to vote for a group of politicians, or the President? People love to rally behind a football team, but put a great deal of emphasis on the quarterback. It is easier, more relatable, and more fulfilling to back one person.

The reason why, is that there is a connection there. If you see a team with numbers on their backs, then you are focusing on the team. With MMA, there are no masks, there are no jerseys, and very little else concealing whom the athlete is.

Think of how many MMA fighters you could recognize, and compare it to how many soccer or football players you could run into and know. This is putting it very generally, but MMA fighters are very much associated with their own look, styles, abilities, and, yes, country.

Country isn’t as big as in other sports, and this is why: You may cheer for a certain Brazilian fighter, but you do not necessarily cheer for every single Brazilian fighter. Some do, but typically, the separation is usually an athlete-by-athlete basis.

The stylistic draw is still there, and many fans are becoming more educated on the sport. Many people have turned to MMA training, and, in general, research the sport more in-depth. More and more people are starting to understand the technical game that MMA can be, and thus appreciate it more.

Some are still content with a knockout or submission, but both are draws in their own way. In general, fighting is always something that excites us. It’s that cliché schoolyard scene where some kid yells, “FIGHT!” and everyone rushes to see. Sibling rivalry is all a competition, trying to get that promotion before others is as well. Our lives are built around getting to the top, but sometimes suggests to step on others on the way up.

MMA is intriguing because of the way the athletes are connected as well. The MMA fighters and some heads of the organizations are all very connected with their fans. Dana White is a very clear shining example.

But what makes the athletes intriguing is that you feel that connection with them. Why? Because they are fighting, yes, but their fighting is their livelihood as well.

For many of these fighters, this is their sole job and career. This is how they support their families and themselves. Fans can relate to that on a deep emotional and empathetic level. In other sports, athletes are playing for the same things, and their sport is their job, but fans do not feel that connection as much.

The reason is because they play many games, and are on a scheduled routine. MMA fighters you hear/see go through camps, training and preparing, and then finally fighting. They fight maybe 3-4 times a year, and you know what kind of finances they are getting each time. When other athletes in other sports are getting millions and millions of dollars, the personal connection gets diluted.

All in all, the sport has many factors that drive its attraction, and each fan finds their own connection in their own way. Like the fighters themselves, fandom is an individual venture that truly presents unique experiences that are more personal than other sports.

Competition and individualism are the building blocks of human nature, and are very well-represented in MMA, resulting in a sport that just feels natural.

Jon Jones got snubbed in AP voting.

Another year has just about come and gone for the world of mixed martial arts. The growth and progress of the sport since 2001 has been simply incredible.

It's come a long way, but are the athletes revered and respected like those in the traditional "major" sports? If you're looking at media coverage, probably not. Mike Chiappetta from MMAFighting.com says definitely not. He penned a piece this week to express his anger that Jon Jones, the clear choice for king of the MMA world in 2011, got zero respect from those voting for the AP's 2011 Male Athlete of the Year award.

Green Packers Super Bowl winning QB Aaron Rodgers won the award with MLB AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander finishing second. Others getting votes included Novak Djokovic, Cam Newton, Tony Stewart, Kelly Slater, Derek Jeter, Dario Franchitti, and Usain Bolt. That's right, there's also a surfer, driver and sprinter on the list, but no MMA fighter.

Yahoo! Sports' Kevin Iole and MMA analyst Frank Trigg joined Steve Cofield during their "The MMA Insiders" show on ESPN1100/98.9 FM in Las Vegas to debate whether Jones got hosed.

Maybe the time hasn't arrived yet for athletes like Jones to be considered along with superstars from the NFL, NBA and MLB. Or as Chiappetta and Iole suggest, the lack of respect for Jones is more a sign that the folks voting for the award are out of touch with the younger demographic and the hottest sport for males 18-34 years old.

UFC Flyweight Division: Cruiserweight Would Have Been Better Addition

With Dana White's recent announcement of the newly added 125-pound flyweight division and its subsequent four-man tournament to crown a champion. The MMA world is now buzzing over the excitement that the division will potentially bring to the organization.

The excitement is understandable. The recently added 135- and 145-pound weight classes have been a welcome addition, giving us some of the best fights of the year.

Presumably the new 125-pound flyweight division will do the same.

But is it the right move for the UFC?

One thing that has separated MMA from the almost-dead sport of boxing is that with only the limited amount of weight classes, there aren't as many champions—so being a champion actually means something.

Including the new flyweight division, there are now four weight division that are only separated by 10 pounds a piece. Does the UFC really need this many divisions for the lower-weight fighters.

White and the UFC have got to where they are today by being great innovators within the industry, why not blaze their own trail when it comes to weight classes?

A better solution would have been to combine the bantamweight and flyweight divisions by creating a 130-pound weight class. This would force the larger 135ers to compete at 145 and still allow the smaller 135ers to compete at a better weight class for them.

If the UFC wants to create yet another weight class, why not add a cruiserweight division?
Demetrious-johnson_crop_340x234 Demetrious Johnson, one of the new flyweights, has done well as a bantamweight

After Jon Jones' UFC 140 victory over Lyoto Machida. Critics have claimed that he only wins due to his incredible size advantage over most light heavyweights. While Jones doesn't actually cut that much weight to get into his weight division as some fighters, weight cutting has always been a controversial issue in the sport.

Fighters such as Anthony "Rumble" Johnson can walk around at weights of up to 50 pounds above their weight division. While Johnson recently moved to middleweight—a more natural weight class for him—he may have made that move earlier if there was a cruiserweight division.

A cruiserweight division would likely be around 225. Twenty pounds above the 205 division and 40 pounds below the 265-pound weight limit for heavyweight.

The immediate drawback would be the already-thin heavyweight division losing fighters, but this move would allow the heavyweight limit to be raised to something like 280—allowing larger athletes who may not be able to make 265 a chance to make it to the sport's largest promotion.

If these changes were to occur, the weight classes would look like this:

Bantamweights: 130

Featherweights: 145

Lightweights: 155

Welterweights: 170

Middleweights: 185

Light Heavyweights: 205

Cruiserweights: 225

Heavyweights: 280

Eight different weight division that could be competitively filled. The addition of the cruiserweight division could create a trickle-down effect that would allow fighters to fight at a more natural weight without fear of running into much larger opponents.

As the sport of MMA grows, more athletes of all sizes and builds will begin to pick up the sport. The UFC would be doing themselves a favor by creating weight classes that reflects the future of the sport.

ONE FC: Potential to Change the Whole Game

Got some news that ONE FC and Japanese MMA promotion DREAM have agreed to an agreement.

Full article found here: MMA in Asia

Basically, there is an agreement between ONE FC and Dream to co-promote events and fighter exchanges.

What makes this exciting is that it can provide Filipino Fighters like Eduard Folayang more exposure when fighting for a promotion like DREAM. It is a big step to showcase how good Filipino Fighters are and even more in front of one of the most intellectual MMA fans.

I'm really excited for this.

The BJ Penn in Manila open work out and meet and greet,

Attended the BJ Penn live in Manila today at the Mall of Asia. I was supposed to be ringside but got pulled out to join a contest at the stage front and gave up my ringside spot. I didn't win but still got some good photos, please forgive me as I still need to improve on my camera work.

Here are a couple photos from the event.

I was a good event and it was great to see BJ Penn in the flesh. Too bad I was too far when he went to the crowd for photos and autographs but I'm still happy to have seen one of the legends of UFC and the MMA.

Hope you like the pictures.

BJ Penn in Manila Tomorrow!

Pinoy Fight Fans! "The Prodigy" BJ Penn will be in Manila tomorrow  November 30, 2011 at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

Don't know what to expect but I'm guessing it will be a grand time.

Love him or hate him, BJ Penn is one of the most polarizing personalities in the UFC and in MMA. He is one of only two men to have held championships in two different weight classes (lightweight and welterweight) in the UFC, and is known to never back down from a fight, even against someone bigger (he as fought Lyoto Machida who is a light heavyweight).

Personally, I'm not that big a fan of BJ Penn, but I wouldn't miss a chance to get a glimpse of a Legend and future Hall of Famer in the sport of MMA.

See you there guys.

Card for UFC 144 in Japan is now complete

The highly awaited return of the UFC in Japan, scheduled for February 26, has finally taken full form as the UFC finalized the remaining bouts.

The event which will take place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan will be headlined by a lightweight title fight between number one contender Ben "Smooth" Henderson and Champion Frankie "The Answer" Edgar.

The full UFC 144 card:

UFC Lightweight Championship: Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson

Quinton Jackson vs. Ryan Bader

Cheick Kongo vs. Mark Hunt

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Jake Shields

Anthony Pettis vs. Joe Lauzon

Yushin Okami vs. Tim Boetsch

Riki Fukuda vs. Steve Cantwell

Norifumi Yamamoto vs. Vaughan Lee

Takeya Mizugaki vs. Chris Cariaso

Takanori Gomi vs. George Sotiropoulos

Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski

Tiequan Zhang vs. Leonard Garcia

The card looks really great and there are a lot of potential fights that could go for fight of the night honors.

I can't wait for this card to come, then again I always can't wait for the next UFC event that comes around.

Boxing and MMA

Many purists believe that Boxing and MMA are in a direct collision course with each other, it has been on of the hottest burning debates in sports this decade. True enough we've seen personalities like Bob Arum and UFC president Dana White go at it in terms of viewers and Pay-Per-View buys, as well as forums discuss the very topic. Well for me the only similarities between boxing and MMA is that they are both combat sports.

Both sports have their own brands of fighting and promotion, and as a fan of MMA and Manny Pacquiao I do enjoy watching both. It really seems absurd to me when I read posts or news about one trying to bury the other. I honestly think a better relationship between the to sports would be beneficial that anything else and I can help each other reach a higher level when it comes to promotion and education for both sports.

Anyway, whatever may happen I would still follow both sports as they truly entertain me. There might be some let downs in certain bouts but if your are a true fan of fighting you would love and continuously be entertained by both sports.  

PXC 28 this coming Saturday

The Pacific X-treme Combat comes back to Manila this Saturday on November 26, 2011 at the Ynares Sports Arena Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Headlining the tournament is rising Filipino MMA star Tristan “Titay” Arenal, who will go against Abu Dhabi grappling champ Jon Tuck. UFC star Brandon “The Truth” Vera graces the event as a special guest of honor.

PXC 28 is presented by AKTV and San Mig Strong Ice. Tickets are available at Ticketworld (ticketworld.com.ph ) starting for as low as Php 350 with one free beer.

Can't wait to watch, it will be a great night of fights.

A Christian Evaluation of Mixed Martial Arts

In my usual internet surfing, looking for MMA news and updates across different websites and blogs, I came across this blog which showcased a blog that a pastor wrote. I mean who would not be intrigued by an article or blog post that puts being a Christian and MMA together. So I read that article and was honestly surprised that a pastor was a fan of MMA. He may not be a hardcore fan but he knew what he was talking about.

Moreover, he even explained that MMA is a sport that a Christian can love. Though MMA has been perceived to be a dangerous and violent sport, even call "human cockfighting" but critics. The article showcases how MMA is a competitive sport like much others and that it is not wrong to like such a sport.

As a Christian, this blog entry spoke volumes to me and I really appreciated reading it. It not only shows how open-minded a religion is but it is also very informative for non or casual MMA fans.

Check out this link to read the whole blog entry:  http://pastormark.tv/2011/11/09/a-christian-evaluation-of-mixed-martial-arts

I hope you enjoy the article as much as I did.

Your Fighting Style

How many times have we heard that styles makes fights? Moreover, how many time have we heard the term striker versus grappler? These are but some of the many terms we hear when assessing and predicting fights in MMA. As a self professed striker, I believe that a well rounded game is essential to fighting in MMA, however one can't help but building or rely on their strengths when fight time comes.

As a person who's trained before in Boxing and Muay Thai, I have a very deep appreciation of the stand-up game and most preferably would fight that way. However, given my skinny frame and long reach (5'11 and 150lbs.), many have also told me to try out Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ), as I have the supposed tools to make it good in BJJ. We'll I would be trying it out in the future for my need to be well rounded. I'm guessing a good combination of Boxing, Muay Thai and BJJ would be my perfect combination if I would truly pursue fighting in MMA.

How about you? What is your favored style.

The Core for MMA

As Bruce Lee describes it, your core as your center of power.

True enough, because all striking power needs is a core that is strong and stable.

Let's thing of it this way if you’re jumping, where can you jump higher, from the sand or from concrete?

Obviously you can jump higher on concrete because you don’t lose any force as you do in the sand where the sand slides out to the sides and absorbs some of your force.

So if your core is more like a sandy beach than hard concrete, you gotta start working that core out.

Step 1 – Develop static core stability. This can be done doing simple exercises like front planks, side planks, and any other exercise where your abs are engaged to keep you still. Using the ball is also good for making these exercises a little harder.

Step 2 – Train your dynamic core stability. Dynamic core stability is your ability to keep your core stable when you’re doing other movements. The 1-arm dumbbell press on a ball is a perfect example.


Step 3 – Train your core power. Now I use the term ‘core power’ here not because it’s your core that’s necessarily developing your power, but because your core must be rock-solid when you’re doing power exercises.

There are many techniques in creating an MMA core but what's important is to keep in mind that a strong core is one of the most fundamental aspects of MMA. It helps in not only dishing out punishment but taking it as well. You wouldn't want to have all the talent to knock somebody out but get beaten by getting the wind knocked out from you.

PXC 28

PXC 28, happens this coming November 26, 2011, 7pm at the Ynares Sports Arena!

Watch out as rising Fil-Am MMA Fighter Tristan Arenal fights Abu Dhabi Grappling Champ Jon Tuck in one of the county's most aniticipated MMA events.

Many other Filipino fighters occupy the under-card of the event.

The will also be an appearance by UFC fighter Brandon "The Truth" Vera. In what promises to be a good night of fights.

By your tickets now and see you there fight fans.

BJ Penn in Manila

Catch BJ Penn in Manila at the Mall of Asia on November 30, 2011.

BJ Penn makes his way to the Philippines, he is not yet done with MMA-- he's coming here on a mission! The Filipinos, especially the youth are yet to benefit from the legacy he will leave behind.

Let's show BJ Penn that Pinoy hospitality as he visits Manila to contribute to the growth of MMA in the the country and world.

Let's give it a hoorah! for the Prodigy.

The Pinoy Fighter is Here!

The Pinoy Fighter is a blog dedicated to Mixed Martial Arts both in the local and international scene. The blog aims to provide fight enthusiasts and casual fans alike with updates and the latest news in the MMA scene. There will also be posts regrading MMA training, the various MMA gyms across the Philippines and as much as we can interviews and talks with MMA personalities. So follow The Pinoy Fighter for your fight updates and news.