1st Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open set Oct. 14-16
2024-Sep-20 14:00
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. Philippine Olympic Committee and Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas president Abraham Tolentino (4th from left) announces the first-ever Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open during a press conference at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Wednesday (Spt. 18, 2024). The 11-divisio event will be held at the grand ballroom of the Manila Marriot Hotel from Oct. 14 to 16. (PNA/Jean Malanum)
MANILA – The country's top fighters will see action in the first Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) Manila Open scheduled from October 14 to 16 at the grand ballroom of the Manila Marriot Hotel in Pasay City.
The tournament, hosted by Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP) and supported by 9 Dynasty, features 130 athletes from 16 countries competing in 11 categories: men's traditional 60kgs, 65kgs, 71kgs, 85kgs, 120kgs; women's 60kgs; modern men's 56kgs, 65kgs, 77kgs, 96kgs; and women's 54kgs.
"This is a good opportunity for all MMA fighters to show their fighting skills not only in some other fight promotions, but this is also a great avenue for them to fight for their flag and country in the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games," Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president and NMMAPP head Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said during Wednesday's press conference.
"Our Filipino fighters are known for their fighting skills and courage. I believe they will excel in this first Asian Open. But every country here in Asia is competitive and strong because all of them have a strong MMA background," he said.
Joining Tolentino in the event launch were NMMAPP secretary-general Alvin Aguilar, AMMA sports director Galastein Tan, AMMA Manila Open Organizing Committee chairperson Lock Wai Han, 9 Dynasty director Derris Wong, and Newport chief marketing officer David Jorden.
The gold medalist will get USD8,000 while the silver and bronze winners will receive USD4,000 and USD2,000, respectively.
Tolentino said the sport's grassroots program will be an integral part of the growth of the MMA fighters.
"MMA has always been popular but only recently we will enter at an amateur level. That's why the foundation must be strong. This will be a huge event," he said.
Aguilar said 10 Filipinos will see action in the tournament.
"We are also in the process of our own arrangements for choosing our athletes. We have our trials to make sure we will field the best Filipino mixed martial artists for this tournament," said Aguilar, the country's founding father of Philippine MMA.
Aguilar thanked Tolentino and Han for their efforts to promote MMA in the country.
"It was a dream come true for me, and it was not possible without the help of Mr. Abraham Tolentino. This is an opportunity to bring honor to the country and bring medals for the country, that is our goal," the Wrestling Association of the Philippines president said. (PNA)