Igorot fighter wins in UFC Macau debut

By RedjieCawis

BAGUIO CITY -- A Baguio boy is the first home-grown Filipino athlete who won in the Ultimate Fighting Championships Fight Night Finale in Macau last week.

Igorot fighter Mark Eddiva, despite a three year layoff from the mixed martial arts competitions, scored sweet victory by winning in his debut fight in one of the most popular mixed martial arts franchises in the world.

Eddiva    won via unanimous decision against the undefeated and crowd favorite. Chinese pride JumabiekeTuerxun in their three-round opening match of the UFC Fight Night held at the Venetian Macau on March 1.

"Mark overpowered his opponent right from the start. That was the key to his big victory," said Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao.

The two- time Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medalist dominated their fight since the first round with heavy overhand rights and landed a bludgeoning kick to the head before taking his opponent to the ground.

With the win, Eddiva improved his professional MMA record to 6 wins and no defeat.

Eddiva’s win marked the first victory for Team Lakay and the Philippines in the UFC, after stablemate Dave Galera dropped a unanimous decision to Singaporean Royston Wee at UFC Fight Night 34   in January.

“The win also proved that Team Lakay is still the best mixed martial arts club in the country,” boasted   coach Sangiao.

Team Lakay’s victory, according to coach Sangiao would not be possible without the support from Dr. Dave Taclobao, Dr. Lorenzo Fernandez, Bagsan Law Office, Chef Ro, June Shutwell, 50's Diner Baguio City, Tiong San Harrison & La Trinidad, Loyosen Pharmacy, Glory Fritz Loyosen, Maggie Dicang, FGG Pharmacy, and architect. Mark M. Tidang.