Chinese fighter Darui Tang prevailed 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 heavyweight, but his solid right knocked the Filipino out of the corner, leading the Chinese heavyweight to unleash a flurry of punches which led to a second-round stoppage.
Despite the win, Tang said that the fight was “difficult” as he 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 that they also wanted to see big guys slug it out with each other, which he himself enjoyed.
He also noted that despite the increasing political tension between the Philippines and China, sports in general, MMA in particular brought them together.
Aguilar told the loyal URCC audience that they can expect more exciting bouts in the future, including a Philippines-China Three on Three match.
“Thank you very much for being there, tuluy-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 via unanimous decision in the co-main event, while Kenneth Maningat won by split decision in his fight against Ariel Oliveros.
JR Alejandro also dominated over Marvin Malunes via TKO, while Jared Alzate was victorious in his fight against Rocky Vergara through submission.
Meanwhile, Cris Gabriel Daguio beat 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 beat over Genesis Dischoso Jr.
