Nigerian fighter to represent Cebu in Dapitan MMA card

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu-based Nigerian mixed martial artist Simeon Uchenna guns for his second straight victory as he takes centerstage in  the 'MMA Super Fights' card this Saturday at the MCM Dapitan City Cultural Center.

Uchenna, fighting under the banner of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu of Master Benigno 'Ekin' Caniga Jr., will topbill the action-packed show against Ivan Lugatiman of Cagayan de Oro City's Equilibrium MMA.

“I think of myself as a Cebuano. Yaw-Yan is my family and I treat Master Ekin as my father. I will do everything to represent Cebu well," said Uchenna, who eked out a split decision win over the more experienced Rodel Valisado in his amateur MMA debut on August 22, 2017.

Aside from Uchenna, Master Ekin also expects a great showing from one of his prospects, Allan Albindo.

Albindo, who is undefeated in five amateur fights, will face off with Johnrel Dionson of D'Power MMA of Dipolog City.

The 27-year-old Albindo is coming off a second round stoppage of Jessie Cabalquinto in an amateur MMA tiff in Sogod town north of Cebu last February 8.

"We want to sustain his (Albindo) momentum after his win in Sogod. Allan is fighting a great striker with boxing background but I am confident that he will score another victory," said Master Ekin. (FREEMAN)