CAGE Gladiators, a non-profit organization with a philanthropic mission, presents a completely different paradigm in the fight game.
The organization aims to help brave but impoverished Filipino fighters overcome their humble beginnings and make a better life for themselves. It will not only sponsor their training, but will also look to educate the fighters about the business side of MMA in order for them to have a better chance of a brighter future after their career.
Instead of just promoting MMA Fighters, Cage Gladiators aims to empower and help Filipino fighters who have the heart and courage to put themselves on the line for pride and glory.
Cage Gladiators is the brainchild of Laurence Canavan, an ex-fighter and soldier turned successful businessman who sees it as his duty to give back to a country, the Philippines, which has given him so much.
Filipino fighters campaigning in major MMA organizations have been taken under its wing by Cage Gladiators. They will also set up a website designed to be the central hub of MMA in the Philippines.
Cage Gladiators sponsors fighters who become scholars under its care. The scholars include ONE Championship fighters Jeremy Miado, Mikuni Munsayac, Jomar Rush, Jason Vergara, Eric “The Natural” Kelly and Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly.
“We’re training with our own teams (right now) but (in the future) we can train together and build a strong team here in the Philippines,” said Eric Kelly in a published report. “In the States, they cross-train; everybody there meets at the gym. I wish Cage Gladiators will make one gym here in Manila or in Baguio so we can train together.”
Cage Gladiators also has scholars in UFC. They include CJ “Goldenboy” De Thomas, Jenel “The Demolition Man” Lausa and Rolando “The Incredible” Dy. URCC fighters include Drex Zamboanga and Rex De Lara. Glen Ranillo is a Cage Gladitor in the PXC. There’s even a boxer in Roman “The Hitman” Canto.
Cage Gladiators is also looking for gyms and sponsors to events to help their fighters. Most importantly they want to organize a big MMA event next year which the group hopes will become an annual affair where the winners will receive big cash prizes and sponsorship offers.
Canavan said Filipinos are natural-born fighters, born with indomitable spirit and a courageous heart and willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. Cage Gladiators hopes to help them achieve those dreams.
