1st Ever Mixed Martial Arts Tournament in Ilocos

After coming from Burgos, Alaric and I went to document the first ever mixed martial arts tournament held in Laoag City and in Ilocos Norte upon the invitation of Luis Tugas, one of the event organizers. It was entitled Suntukan sa Laoag.

Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is a full combat contact sport employing a wide array of fighting techniques and skills. It allows the use of striking and grappling techniques in standing and in the ground. This event is also called shooto, freestyle fighting, no holds barred (NHB) and Ultimate Fighting Championships was founded from this.

It was conceptualized and organized by the officers and members of Sangguniang Kabataan headed by SK Federation President Rudys Caesar Farinas. It was a big success since it had 16 pairs who matched and fought in this event. Prior to the event, weighing of each competitor and face off was done. This was mostly participated in by local amateurs and some professional fighters from Benguet, Manila, US and Egypt.

The first match made the audience and everyone highly tensed and shocked for it became bloody and they have to reduce the time per bout. Nevertheless, it became a thrilling event and a great suspense. Backbreaking indeed and some were bloody matches but competitors were pitted against one another with the observance of maximum rules for safety.