Mariano Jones is eyeing back-to-back triumphs in the Universal Reality Combat Championship for all the members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and more) community.
He will be fighting Filipino fighter Arvin “Sharpshooter” Chan in a #1 welterweight contender duel as the co-main event at URCC 84 Rage on April 25 at Xylo at the Palace in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
“I hope this fight will show all the LGBTQ members not to be afraid to be themselves as they pursue their dreams in whatever field or profession they choose without the fear of being judged,” the Costa Rican fighter told reporters during the fight’s news conference in BGC over the weekend.
“Sexuality and performance have nothing to do with each other. I dedicated this fight to them,”he said.
Jones, 26, also known as the “Hitman,” admitted he’s been in a relationship with a transgender and he doesn’t care what others say about him. He said what’s important is to pursue a great career in the mixed martial arts field.
“I don’t really put labels on myself or others, but since I am into trans, I would probably fall in the B part of the LGBTQ since I also like girls. I just live my life and do what I want without caring what others think about me,” the Manila-based fighter explained.
The fight is supported by Philippines Nuebe Gaming and Vietnamese Highlands Coffee.
After debuting impressively in MMA with a first-round technical knockout win over Gester Maglaque in last December 6’s URCC 81 Decades of Success, Jones (1-0) said he would take care of business first by beating Chan.
“This is a bad blood fight between two individuals with opposing values, views and it will make for an electric matchup for the fans. I’ve studied my opponent thoroughly and prepared rigorously to be able to handle anything he throws my way. I’m expecting a violent finish in the first round,” he said.
Details of the fight and future fight cards are available to download at https://apps.wix.com/place-invites/join-lp/b4e05b90-55a0-40a8-8fac-17ccf4a2c074?ref=pre_banner_top, which is available for iOS and Google.
Chan refused to speak about the coming fight, but guaranteed everyone that he would get the job done, saying he worked hard improving his stamina as he’s aiming to knock out Jones.
“I don’t want to say anything for now to avoid distractions because it’s only 11 days left before the fight, but I will knock him out,” the 33-year-old Chan (8-9) said. “I’m just focusing on improving my stamina and wrestling skills.”
For inquiries about tickets sale, go to www.urcc.online and download our app https://apps.wix.com/place-invites/join-lp/b4e05b90-55a0-40a8-8fac-17ccf4a2c074?ref=pre_banner_top, which is available for iOS and Google.
In the other main event fight, jiu-jitsu black belters Eros Baluyot (1-0) faces Elouie Federic Sevilla (6-3) in a flyweight MMA bout, while the lone women’s strawweight bout is between Jomary Torres and undefeated Mariane Mariano.
In the preliminary bouts, Rex De Lara meets John Carranza in the featherweight class, Rhino Casipe squares off with Kervin Lampacan in the flyweight division, and Marvin Dela Cruz battles Denzel Dimaguila in a flyweight bout.
In the amateur bouts, Jerald Galangue will slug it out with Chuckie Ruis at strawweightt and Jan Ilarde collides against AJ Castellano in the heavyweight category.
In the first-ever slap rap battle, Ronmar A. Tubig (South Piezze) battles Joneil Deo Destreza (Sirdeo), while John Kenneth Reyes (Cloza Mafia) faces Daniel Ray Wiggins (Taz Wiggins).
For more information about nuebe gaming and Highlands Coffee, you can go to websites https://nuebegaming.ph/ and https://www.highlandscoffee.com.ph/Inline image