The Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) once again showed why it remains Asia’s longest-running mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, delivering an action-packed URCC Fight Night filled with explosive finishes, gritty performances, and international matchups at Octopus Bar in Makati City on Saturday, July 18.
From the opening bout to the main event, the card kept fans on their feet with a steady mix of knockouts, submissions, and tightly contested decisions. Six of the night’s eight bouts ended before the final bell, highlighting the aggressive style that has long defined the country’s premier MMA promotion.
The evening also showcased the growing international appeal of Philippine MMA, with Korean fighters sharing the spotlight alongside some of the country’s top homegrown talents.
But when the cage door closed for the main event, all attention shifted to Emmanuel Isuekpe and Jong-In Choi.
For Isuekpe, every fight carries a deeper meaning. Born in Nigeria but raised in the Philippines, he has embraced the country as his home, stepping into the cage with the sacrifices of his journey and the pride of representing the nation that shaped him into the fighter he is today.
Across from him stood Choi of Mandance MMA, a South Korean competitor driven by a passion for the sport and the pursuit of excellence. Their contrasting backgrounds made for a compelling storyline, but once the opening bell rang, only one fighter dictated the pace.
The opening round was competitive, with both fighters looking for openings while testing each other’s range. As the fight progressed, however, Isuekpe steadily imposed his will.
His pressure intensified in the second round as he backed Choi toward the cage with crisp combinations and relentless forward movement. Unable to escape the sustained attack, Choi absorbed a barrage of strikes before the referee stepped in to halt the contest.
The second-round technical knockout handed Isuekpe an emphatic victory in the 155-pound main event and provided a fitting finish to an entertaining night of fights.
The co-main event also lived up to expectations as South Korea’s Sung Nak Chan of the Korean Zombie Team edged Alex Asio Jr. of Dyincredible via split decision in a closely contested 145-pound showdown.
Neither fighter managed to pull away decisively over three rounds, with both enjoying moments of success. In the end, Sung’s activity and timely strikes proved enough to earn the judges’ nod.
Speaking through an interpreter after the fight, Sung credited Asio for making him work throughout the bout.
“He came into this fight with a mindset that he wanted to win and dominate,” the interpreter said, translating Sung’s remarks. “It was a tough fight.”
Sung also spoke warmly about competing in the Philippines for the first time.
“He loves the Philippines. The atmosphere, the energy of the crowd—everyone here has such a great vibe. He really enjoyed staying here,” the interpreter added.
The undercard also produced several standout performances.
Jerald Villarde submitted Jimmy Balderas with a first-round rear-naked choke in their 150-pound contest after taking control early on the ground.
Rene Catalan Jr. also leaned on his grappling skills, forcing Christian Labalan to tap to a rear-naked choke in the opening round of their 125-pound clash.
Chuckie Ruiz, meanwhile, outworked Jon Lawrence Toquero over three rounds to secure a unanimous decision in an entertaining flyweight contest.
Ruiz admitted afterward that he expected to finish the fight much earlier but praised Toquero’s toughness.
“Akala ko matatapos ko yung laban, pero sobrang lakas din ng kalaban ko. Hindi ako pinagbigyan na matapos siya sa isang round lang,” Ruiz said.
He added that the game plan was to end the fight inside the distance but acknowledged that ring rust played a role after spending a long stretch away from professional competition.
“The game plan is really to finish the opponent. Sa sobrang tagal ko na hindi nakalaban, siguro nanibago ulit yung feeling ko sa cage,” Ruiz said. “Safe yung fight ko kaya nanibago ulit ako sa pro fight ko—the speed, swift elbows and all.”
The kickboxing bouts added more fireworks to the card. Ed Gabrylle Conche overwhelmed Tonio Segismundo to score a first-round technical knockout in their 155-pound contest.
Back to the MMA action, MJ Badillo produced one of the night’s most explosive finishes, knocking out Juro Amandoron in the opening round of their 125-pound bout.
The night’s opening bout also set the tone for what was to come. Joshua Corpuz opened the event in impressive fashion, stopping Jordan Cruz via technical knockout in the 145-pound division and providing an early glimpse of the action-packed night ahead.
Taken together, the results underscored URCC Fight Night’s role as a showcase for both established names and rising talent. The event once again highlighted the depth of talent in Philippine mixed martial arts while giving international fighters an opportunity to test themselves against local competition.
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