CEBU, Philippines - Kids his age can be seen playing computer games and toys, but 10-year-old Ken ‘Tonken’ Caniga is already starting his career in the dangerous sport of Mixed Martial Arts.
Caniga will make his debut against a still undetermined opponent in his first amateur MMA fight underneath the Cebu Extreme Fight League card calendared for August 16 at the Cebu Coliseum.
Even at a tender age, Caniga has been immersed in the world of martial arts as he is the nephew of Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu founder and CEO Master Benigno 'Ekin' R. Caniga, Jr. and cousin of international martial arts champion Johnlery ‘Ian’ Caniga.
“I am not scared. I want to win in my first fight by knockout or submission,” said the Caniga, a Grade 4 pupil of Abuno Elementary School in Lapu-Lapu City.
Instead of cartoon shows, Caniga said he prefers watching MMA fights in TV like the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He idolizes former Brazilian champion Anderson Silva.
"I really love doing MMA because it's fun when I practice my skills. I had also made friends in martial arts," he said.
For his part, Master Ekin said Ken’s fight will be an attraction as the tournament serves as a grassroots program to search for aspiring MMA fighters who have the potential to represent Cebu in amateur tournaments in Manila.
“This just shows that we are really not only trying to get talents but to develop fighters at a very young age,” said Caniga.
Aside from the kids competition, the weight classes to be contested are strawweight (115 lbs.), flyweight (125 lbs.), bantamweight (135 lbss.) featherweight (145 lbss.) and lightweight (155 lbs.) division plus a women’s category. (FREEMAN)