“Bareknuckle Fight” promotional poster.
URCC presents ‘Bareknuckle Fight’
ANOTHER big treat awaits local fight fans as the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) introduces “Bareknuckle Fight” — the country’s first-ever real hand-to-hand combat– on Oct. 27 at the Xylo in The Palace, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Billed as “URCC 80: Bare Madness”, the event is expected to produce a new breed of promising world-class fighters “in a sport where speed and cunning can make up for lack of beef or brawn.”
URCC founder Alvin Aguilar and chairman Arnold Vegafria believe that Filipinos are ready for such adrenaline- producing action.
“When we pioneered the MMA fight concept back in 2002, people thought it was too violent, too risky. But look at MMA now,” said Aguilar during the event launch at the Xylo in the Palace.
“In the same way, it’s worth noting that BKF (Bareknuckle Fight) is now steadily gaining popularity in the U.S. and Europe, so it’s only a matter of time before it enjoys mainstream acceptance here in the country.”
Vegafria, on the other hand, said Filipino fighters are meant for such hand-to-hand combat.
“With the success of Filipino athletes in recent global competitions, we believe that Filipino fighters are meant for global domination, particularly in this more adrenaline-inducing sport,” said Vegafria.
“Also, we at URCC feel that Filipino fight fans are clamoring for something more exciting. This could very well be what we’ve all been waiting for.”
The Bareknuckle Fights will feature Kenjhons (Mr. Mainit) against Map Soberano in the main event; and Rocky Vergara against Marvin dela Cruz, Kimbert Alintozon against JV Baldonasa and Mark Alcoba against Zarco Gales in the supporting events.
Pre-event matches will see top-ranked Filipino mixed martial artists like John Ornido battling Janedie Bernardo in 135-pound class, Ruel Catalan facing Edrion Macatangay in 125-pound category, and Rex de Lara clashing with Jayson Margallo in 125-pound class.
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has already approved the URCC’s new concept, according to Aguilar.
