By Alfred Johannes T. Gealogo

On the same day as URCC’s first event for 2012, we were grieved with the news of a former URCC fighter’s untimely demise.

Robinson Dalupan, head instructor of a Filipino martial art called Herpestes, passed away last Friday after an infection from his neck went up to the brain, prematurely ending his life.

Called Master by his students and DJ BullDawg by hip-hop fanatics in Manila, Robinson fought as a Heavyweight in the URCC wherein he lost a war against former URCC behemoth Phil Bryner. After getting knocked out during their URCC 5 bout, he concentrated on learning and eventually teaching Herpestes and became active in the Philippine hip-hop scene.

Sources say that Robinson was on the receiving end of a neck strike during a demonstration, not connected in any way to the URCC. After getting hit in the neck, he contracted an infection that eventually crept to his brain.

Our condolences to the family of Robinson Dalupan. And to all martial artists, we are again reminded to protect ourselves at all times.