Cordi fighters eye win in martial arts tourneys

Sagada fighter vows comeback 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- After a rollercoaster career, Sagada native Adam “Kimat” Cacay is determined to make his childhood dream of becoming a mixed martial arts champion a complete reality this 2016.

To start his journey, the Cordilleran fighter plans to mark an impressive comeback win this March 19 when he faces Arnel Lomibao of Legazpi City, Albay at the CCDC Gymnasium, here in the main event of the newly launched Fight Sports Tournament (FIST).

“It will end in either submission or knockout. Either way, it will be my hand the referee will raise,” Cacay predicted.

Belting a record of four wins and three losses, Cacay was last seen in action in when he took a decision victory against Malaysian Mohd Fouzein Mohd Fozi last June 2015. Prior to that, his last time out was in September 2013 when he suffered a loss to Jinel Lanusa.

Cacay is currently training at Safehouse MMA in Manila for the March fight under the tutelage of world wrestling champion Jimmy Angana.

Cacay is expected to take the fight down the canvas to neutralize Lomibao’s well versed karate-style striking.

A veteran in combat sports, Lomibao is the founder and head coach of Hyper MMA and is regarded among the top Bicolano MMA fighters in the 135-pound division.

Also in the main card, Benguet fighters Biondi “Bioman” Dayangadang and Roy “Tribaloi” Menzi Jr will raise the Kankana-ey and Ibaloy flags, respectively, against equally formidable Visayan and Mindanao fighters.

La Trinidad’s Dayangadang will face 2016 Yawyan Champion Russell del Rosario of Tacloban, Leyt while Menzi of Kabayan will square off with Roilo “Filipino-Mexican” Golez of Davao.

It will be a professional MMA debut for both Benguet fighters.

Meanwhile in the K1 supporting events, former world boxing title challenger Jesebelle Pagaduan of Buguias, Benguet will face Palawan’s Christine Latube in the only ladies’ bout of the night.

La Trinidad fighters Jordan Lobida and Junroe Diwas will test the mettle of Junior Angeleo of San Gabriel, La Union and Isaac Yangag of Natonin, Mt. Province, respectively.

Also, Roderick Hilario of Aguinaldo, Ifugao will face Isagani Mina of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya in three rounds of action.

The fight night made possible by Dinawis Restaurant will start with four amateur boxing appetizers featuring upcoming boxers.

Ifugao fighters Robles Gamboc and John Natuplag will strike out with Jeromel Borres of Cagayan de Oro and Denver Baden of La Trinidad, respectively. Gamboc is from Hungduan while Natuplag is from Lagawe.

Also in the card, La Trinidad boxer Mark Anthony Gatab will face Michael Zulueta of Bacolod while Rosendo Autida will face fellow La Trinidad fighter Rodny Magnus.

Based in Baguio, FIST is the first professional MMA league in Northern Luzon operating under the Highland Prime Sports.

Sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board, the March 19 event is part of the Strawberry Festival in coordination with the local government of La Trinidad and Elmer Macalingay’s Health 100 Restoreant.

“We hope to make promising athletes become stars in combat sports by giving them a professional avenue for them to display their skills and prowess,” FIST spokesperson Jujeath Nagaowa said.