One FC in Manila: get excited for ‘Rise of Heroes’ on May 2!

 

When in Manila, the fighting spirit is loved by everyone. Literally, thanks to Manny Pacquiao, fighting has become immensely popular in the Philippines. But aside from Manny’s sport, boxing, another combat sport is growing rapidly: mixed martial arts (MMA). With a 90% market share, ONE Fighting Championship – ONE FC – is Asia’s largest MMA organization. On Tuesday, ONE FC held a press conference at Mall of Asia’s atrium, to reveal details about the upcoming May 2nd ONE FC event in Manila: Rise of Heroes! Fighting against each other at Mall of Asia Arena on that day will be: 

Victor Cui, ONE FC CEO, revealed that a 3-year contract with MOA Arena has been signed and semi-annual dates have been set for ONE FC fights in Manila. Cui expressed his excitement for the upcoming May 2 event in the city and explained that ONE FC uses the global ruleset, which allows ONE FC to have “a lot more aggressive, exciting fights.”

Get to know the fighters before seeing them live in the ONE FC cage on May 2nd: 

 

Bibiano Fernandes (Brazil) 

Well-known Brazilian fighter Bibiano has dominated the sport in Asia, where he has held several DREAM Bantamweight Champion titles. One of his most recent victories occured in October 2013, when he earned the title of ONE FC Bantamweight World Champion by beating out previous champion Soo Chul Kim. Bibiano is a BJJ black belt who has been a six-time world champion in addition to being a four-time Brazilian national champion and four-time Pan American champion.

When asked about sharing his opinion of the Philippines, he said, “I love the Philippines! Many people think I look like a Filipino. I love the weather and I feel at home here!” In regards to his upcoming May 2 fight, Bibiano says he is “very excited!”

 

Masakatsu Ueda (Japan) 

Hailing from Japan, Masakatsu Ueda, a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter, is considered one of the top Asian Bantamweight fighters. One of his most memorable achievements is defeating former world champion Jens Pulver, followed by defeating Flipino striker Kevin Belingon in his home country of the Philippines.

He has earned multiple national titles in Combat Wrestling and has set his new goal to defeat champion Bibiano Fernandes in his quest to gain the world championship title. 

 

Rob Lisita (Australia) 

30 year old Rob “Ruthless” Lisita, a former rugby player, first started mixed martial arts five years ago. This Featherweight signed with One FC earlier this year and is excited to go against some of the best fighters in the world in the One FC arena. After a previous loss to ONE FC veteran Yusuke Kawanago, Lisita is eager to prove himself in a second opportunity against the Japanese fighter.

Regarding his upcoming fight in Manila, Lisita shows confidence: “I’m ready to die in there (the arena)! I’m gonna teach him (Kawanago) a lesson!” Like the other fighters, Lisita enjoys the Philippines: “I love the Philippines and I cannot wait to be back on May 2nd!”

 

Yusuke Kawanago (Japan) 

Japanese MMA Fighter, Kawanago started his career with an impressive 10 wins in 11 bouts. After losing to opponent Takumi Nakayama, he realized the changes he needed to make to his skill set. He trained tirelessly to improve and subsequently succeeded against Chinese fighter  Xian “The Executioner” Ji, in 2012.

A recent signee to ONE FC, Kawanago will once again face off with Rob Lisita, whom he defeated once before. “The result (in a fight against Lisita) is going to be the same, even if we fought 100 times,” is Kawango’s opinion of his upcoming May 2 fight in Manila. 

 

Gianni Subba (Malaysia) 

21-year old Subba, a Flyweight from Malaysia, is considered one of the most promising stars in the ONE FC fighting skys and the top flyweight prospect in Asia. He began his MMA career by knocking out Singaporean veteran Bruce Loh within the opening seconds of the fight. He has earned three consecutive One FC wins. Subba has trained under legendary Jeremy Horn in the US as well as prepared his upcoming fight vs. Toquero, in Phuket, Thailand. Coming from a family of fighters may have helped him stay focused to attain his goal to become one of ONE FC’s best. 

 

Eugene Toquero (Philippines) 

Former Muay Thai national team member Toquero, who comes from Alcantara, Cebu, is considered one of the brightest Flyweight talents coming from the Philippines in recent years. He counts four TKO victories in four bouts to his biggest achievements. Besides fighting in the ONE FC cage, Toquero trains Filipino Celebrities (e.g. Luis Manzano) in Muay Thai. Toquero is eager to win a ONE FC fight for the first time come May 2nd.  

Tickets for the upcoming ONE FC event in Manila can be purchased through SM Tickets at the following prices:

• Php 6,360 (VIP)
• Php 3,180 (Patron) 
• Php 1,280 (Lower Box) 
• Php 640 (Upper Box) 
• Php 220 (General Admission) 

With this group of diverse world-class fighters, a ONE FC evening surely sounds enticing. Excited yet? Then mark your calendar, when in Manila, for May 2 to catch ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at Mall of Asia!

 

 

One FC in Manila

 

Tickets available at: www.smtickets.com

Website:  www.onefc.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

 

 

One FC in Manila: Get Excited for ‘Rise of Heroes’ on May 2!