PHILIPPINES' FIRST AND BIGGEST MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENT
A Brief History of Combat
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques from a mixture of traditional and non-traditional martial arts. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Such competitions allow martial artists of different backgrounds to compete. The term may also be used, less correctly, to describe hybrid martial arts styles. Modern mixed martial arts competition emerged in American popular culture in 1993. Initially based on finding the most effective martial arts for real unarmed combat situations, competitors of various arts were pitted against one another with minimal rules. In the following decade, MMA promoters adopted many additional rules aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport. Following these changes, the sport has seen increased popularity with pay-per-view reach rivalling boxing and professional wrestling.
The Universal Reality Combat Championship: 2002 Beyond
HISTORY
November 23, 2002 saw the debut of a full-fledged mixed martial arts tournament in the Philippines with the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) opening its doors to 5,000 screaming fans. Since then the URCC has opened up a growing mixed martial arts industry in the Philippines and in the region. Recognized by the Games and Amusement Board, Philippines' regulating office for professional sports and combating, in 2003 as a Sport with all the necessary papers and safeguards involved, this recognition propelled the industry to greater heights spawning smaller tournaments in and around the country.
A former boxer found new life in MMA
5000 satisfied fans
CREDIBILITY
With the sport growing at a blistering pace worldwide, the MMA scene here in the Philippines got a shot in the arm when MMA legends - the likes of Ken Shamrock, Kimo Leopoldo, Josh Barnett, and Royce Gracie - visited and put on their own tournament Platinum Productions RING OF FIRE; it was the URCC who paved the way for this tournament assisting them with the license, and network connections - further strengthening the URCC's position locally and in the region. The presence of international events like Ring of Fire validates that Mixed Martial Arts is indeed growing fast in the Philippines. It is through the efforts of the URCC that MMA is gaining so much popularity in the country with international promotions now recognizing the Philippines as one of Asia's prime movers in MMA
MMA legend Royce Gracie with URCC founder Alvin Aguilar
PRESENT
Since the inception, URCC has rolled out other blockbuster products: URCC Cebu, URCC Baguio, URCC Davao Digmaan, URCC Bacolod Brawl, and University Challenge; as well as supplying fights for Rogue Magazine's Black Tie Brawl and Tribal Gear's Dutdutan.
Collegiate fighters dishing out like pro
The Cebu, Baguio, Davao, and Bacolod tournaments bring legions of fans proving that the URCC has penetrated the farthest points of the country. Whereas, the University Challenge is one of the most well attended amateur tournaments in Manila, with fighters from the collegiate level duking it out for school pride.
Provincials are not inferior
The Rogue Magazine's Black Tie Brawl is a hotel event that caters to the "A" market, featuring a formal dinner with URCC fights. While Tribal Gear's Dutdutan is a tattoo convention featuring the Philippines' top tattoo artists, bikini contest, and, again, URCC fights.
MEDIA
The URCC gets full media coverage from Solar Sports and its affiliate channels. URCC re-runs are available on cable channel Pinoy Extreme and on TFC Bro, a subsidiary of ABS-CBN. Broad sheets and radio are also standard media values. Its online presence is also of note as the tournament is always written about by local bloggers and foreign aficionados.
THE FUTURE
Future plans for the URCC include an additional main event in Manila, more frequent events in provinces all over the Philippines, an expanded presence in Guam and the Northern Marianas, and possible partnerships with MMA producers in HK, Macau, Taiwan, and other South East Asian Countries. Talks are also underway in bringing the URCC to California, the promotion's very first international event held in North America! The re-branding possibilities of the URCC are what the founders feel will give the tournament an easy migration to different parts of the region. Having perfected the production and roll out of fighters it is easier now for the URCC to hop, skip and jump around the region with the right partners. Be part of Philippines' premier MMA event, and be part of HISTORY!
