MIXED Martial Arts (MMA) expert Pepito Masangkay Jr. of I.Flex Spartam scored a split decision victory over Ruben Lanaza of AXC in the main event of the just-concluded 7th Davao Ultimate Fighting Club (DUFC) "Fight Night" held at I.Flex Fitness in Maa, Davao City.
Both fighters traded kicks and exchanged jabs in the early minute of the first round but Masangkay's straight jab hurt Lanaza.
Though crowd favorite Masangkay was dominating the first round, he was caught off guard by Lanaza's powerful haymaker that landed on his face followed up by a solid combination.
Masangkay, a jiu-jitsu practitioner, however, forced a take down to stop Lanaza's attacks in the second round. The former brought the fight on the ground considering that it was the latter's weak point.
Masangkay said his opponent had explosive punches which he did not see coming.
"Gidala na lang gayud nako siya sa ground kay kusog jud kaayo siya manumbag (I brought him to the ground because he punches so hard)," he said in an interview with VoxPop Davao.
He added that if he exchanged solid blows against Lanaza, he might had been knocked down. He then thanked supporters and his father who witnessed his fight.
"Sa lahat ng 10 fights ko before, this is the first time na nanood ang papa ko (Out of my 10 fights before, this is the first time that my father watched)," Masangkay said, adding that he will next compete in Manila on December 18.
In other bouts, Jorge Gonzales of AXC defeated 16-year old Edilberto "Scoob" Coquia Jr. of I.Flex Spartam while Eting Masilog of Cenojas Mixed Martial Arts (CMMA) beat Arman Cole of I.Flex Spartam via naked choke and Mark Germogenes subdued Reydemtor Nacionales via submission.
Jun Lucas outclassed Nere Cadayao while Patrick Martinez overcame Rodel Ledesma.
Michael Normandia, however, stopped Bornok Manggosong as Nards Tancontian bested Junny Bactol and Mark Ganzon won over Xandro Balgos Lazaro.
Miro Villegas, John Loyd Sumabal, Mark Anthony Llego, Scar Face Tabique, LA Lauron and Garry Villaroman beat Jeramil Pacto, Marwin Nogan, Jhun Paul Gelbolingo, Dodz Sajulan, Machete Perez and Andao Judobarang, respectively.
In two rounds of boxing, Clenton Villacote eked out a unanimous decision over Cyrus Pardillo even as Frince Dacudao downed Arrex Adavin and AJ Duat triumphed over Jasper Salansang.
The event was organized by I.Flex Fitness under president Marco Tamayo.