MMA in the Philippines: Mixed Martial Arts Competitions

There have been recent posts on the forums about the two main professional MMA competitions in the Philippines, and also a team based amateur competition. For a while now, I've thought that it seems like the same people are competing over and over in the various competitions in the Philippines. Of course there are new faces and new talent who enter the ring or the cage, but I think our local events could do better to get more people fighting, especially highly skilled fighters. I'm sure spectators would enjoy the variety, and the higher level of talent. Matchmakers might want to visit different gyms and watch classes to observe the athletes. So, kind of like a professional scout for the NBA, NFL, etc., matchmakers may be able to spot budding fighters. A more active approach to finding "new blood" should improve the talent pool. Many times, I hear that matchmakers simply just ask if schools or gyms have anyone who's interested in fighting.

On the flip side, I think a lot more of the talented mixed martial arts practitioners out there ought to consider competing. I always find it interesting how some of the best athletes out there don't like to compete or have no urge to compete, while wannabe fighters or MMA newbies seem to always want to fight. (As a side note, it's pretty amazing how many "gung-ho" beginners start training at a school, say they are there to "fight in the UFC," but after a while, they quit.) I understand that some people just do not have the urge. Normally this comes from people having other priorities in life. This, I completely understand. However, for other practitioners who seem to have nothing in their way of training seriously, I often think there may be other reasons. These kinds of people are the ones who are always training, they have solid skills, but they shy away from competing. Maybe they don't have confidence. Maybe they don't want to get hit in the face. Maybe they don't want to risk losing. There are so many possible reasons.

Whatever the case, I think that anyone who is serious about mixed martial arts and wants to take their abilities to the next level should compete. Start out with a few amateur competitions. Then, slowly move up the ladder. The competitions in the Philippines need more fighters who are willing to step up to provide better matches. On the flip side, fighters need competitions as a venue to test their skills and push them to their limits.

Now, although I'd like to see more and more people training to compete (a big difference from people who are just training), I hope to see that these people are dedicated and serious about training. It takes a lot of sacrifice. No late night drinking sessions, you have to train consistently and properly, you need to eat right, you have to rest adequately. There's a big difference between a "fighter," a "good fighter," and an "excellent fighter." I'd like to see the Philippines breed excellent fighters. Yes, it is tough and it takes a lot of work and resources. But, just like any dream that you have, if you want it bad enough, you'll normally find a way.

For guys in the Philippines who want to compete in events like the URCC, Fearless, or amateur events, keep up to date with tryout information, join a reputable school who can set you up with fights, or start tearing up the competition in your school/region and matchmakers will be bound to hear about you. Good luck, and hope to see more people get involved.

Tags: mma, mixed martial arts, philippines, urcc, fearless, fight league philippines