AN intense heavyweight match saw Chinese fighter Darui Tang prevail over Filipino Mark Palomar via knockout in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) Fight Night card held at Octopus Bar in Makati City on Saturday night.
Tang conquered Palomar with a strong punch despite getting wobbled by a right jab from the Filipino big man. Still, a solid right from Tang knocked Palomar out of the corner, leading the Chinese heavyweight to unleash a flurry of punches, leading to a second-round stoppage.
Despite the win, Tang said the fight was "difficult" and praised Palomar as a "good" opponent.
"I love the Philippines, I hope China and the Philippines will be good friends in the future, thank you," Tang said.
URCC Founder Alvin Aguilar described the bout backed by Primo Gaming, Iwanttfc, and the Octopus Bar and Restaurant as a “solid” one, noting that URCC fighters are always reminded to “give their all” whenever they step into the ring.
"That is the reason why we are Asia's most exciting MMA promotions, kasi all the fighters here come to fight. Kahit basag na yung mukha ni Palomar, game pa rin sya," Aguilar said.
Aguilar said he also wanted to see big guys slug it out with each other, which he enjoyed.
He also noted that despite the increasing political tension between the Philippines and China, sports in general, and MMA in particular brought them together.
Aguilar told the loyal URCC audience that they will expect more exciting bouts in the future, including a Philippines Versus China Three Three match.
"Thank you very much for being there, tuloy tuloy tayo, the whole MMA community in the Philippines come together and work together. In the end, we are one brothers and sisters,” he added.
In the other fights, Ezekiel Isidro won over Jacis Macasinag by unanimous decision in the co-main event, while Kenneth Maningat won by split decision in his fight against Ariel Oliveros.
JR Alejandro also dominated Marvin Malunes via TKO, while Jared Alzate was victorious in his fight against Rocky Vergara through submission, as well as Cris Gabriel Daguio against MJ Montealto, while Dave Valencia won by decision over Ferdinand Aquino.
In the URCC Slap Battle, Vincent Navarro won over John Vincent Darbon and Rick Videna won over Genesis Dischoso Jr.
