MANILA, Philippines – The Ultimate Fighting Championship is bringing in top featherweight title contender Max "Blessed" Holloway to the Philippines from September 15-18 to promote the UFC Fight Night Manila: Lamas vs Penn on October 15 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
On his first trip to the country, Holloway is looking forward to meeting Filipino fight fans as he holds a meet-and-greet session and an open workout at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Holloway's visit highlights the UFC's commitment to continue bringing the best of its fighters from all over the world closer to MMA-loving Filipinos.
The 24-year-old Holloway is one of the most exciting UFC fighters in his division after winning nine straight bouts on the Octagon, including a unanimous decision win over Ricardo Lamas in UFC 199 last June in Inglewood, California, to improve to 6-3 and move closer to setting a title fight against either Connor McGregor or interim titlist Jose Aldo.
Interestingly, Lamas will highlight the UFC Fight Night Manila card, the fight outfit's second stint in the country, as he faces off with legendary BJ "The Prodigy" Penn.
Recently, the UFC has added Jon Tuck and Mechi Baghdad, as well as the Derrick Lewis-Marcin Tybura duel to further strengthen the card.
Other bouts include the flyweight showdown between Japan’s own title contender No. 3 ranked Kyoji Horiguchi and No. 8-ranked Ali Bagautinov; and a strawweight bout between Danielle Taylorand Seohee Ham in what will be the first-ever women’s bout UFC will hold in the Philippines.
A featherweight clash featuring Mizuto “Pugnus” Hirota and Cole “Magrinho” Miller is also part of the offering.