Kafagway MMA-Body Goals Gym’s Xavier Villanueva brought the house down when he won via rear-naked choke against an older opponent in the inaugural event of the Northern Uprising Fight League on Oct. 8.
The 22-year-old Villanueva from Tuba, Benguet overpowered Team Wasalak’s Ayon Naranjo of Parañaque City in the first round of their banner fight at the PFVR gym in Baguio City.
Villanueva now has five wins and two losses, while the 38-year-old Naranjo has one win and two losses.
Gerico Kiat-ong of Fight Corps MMA also walked out as a winner against Joshua Madegyem of Evolutions Gym, while Fight Corps’ Marcos Lampacan defeated Jeffrey Kimpa-oy of Red Lion, both winning teammates executing rear-naked choke for the win.
The fight between Frenzel Golocan of Fight Corps and Vergel Bayacsan of Builders Gym, meanwhile, ended in a technical knockout due to doctor’s stoppage with Golocan winning the fight in round two.
Christian Manipon also of Evolutions ruled over John Philip Magarzo of Mumma-Metro Manila in round three via rear-naked choke, while a draw was decided between Christopher Manipon of UB Dare Team and John Paul Sarte of Boot Camp Olongapo’s fight.
Fight Corps’ Tycho Nanasca defeated Arnold Pitulan of Team Wasalak via TKO referee stoppage in the first round while Philbert Juanito of Brave Hearts Buyagan won against Roldan Lingbanan of Kafagway MMA-Dojo Kaizen via armbar submission.
Jones Catalino of Evolutions Gym won against visiting Mark Jayson Vedana of Sipakan Sports Combat-JRA Fitness Hub from Cabanatuan in a split decision during the event presented by Mylk Tea Baguio and Baguio Ice Plant and Cold Storage Inc.
Curtain raisers Kurt Patting of Tribal Torogi defeated Mikko Camingawa of Santa Rosa City-Kafagway Lions via TKO referee stoppage in round two of the 10-bout event.
The Northern Uprising Fight League based in Baguio is a mixed martial arts promotion which centers on the development of grassroots mixed martial arts in the Cordillera. – Ofelia C. Empian
