Uchenna, Valisado vie for ‘Respect’

Simon Uchenna is a fledgling in MMA who is yet to make his debut inside the cage. However, the 22-year-old Nigerian’s youth and vast potential may just be his key to victory against a more experienced Rodel Valisado in the main supporting bout of Cebu Extreme Fight League (CEFL), “Respect,” this Saturday night at the Cebu City Sports Institute.

“I know my opponent is undefeated in three fights, but I am ready for him. I came to Cebu to study, but I found and fell in love with the martial art of Yaw-Yan. I am very thankful to Master Ekin because he believed in my potential and gave me a chance to fight,” said Uchenna in a statement.

Uchenna is fighting under the Yaw-Yan Ardigma banner of Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga Jr.

Uchenna, a second year BS Marine Engineering student at the University of the Visayas, has been with Yaw-Yan Ardigma for less than a year. But he has developed by leaps and bounds in his short stay, earning Caniga’s nod to fight.

“Simon has only been training with us for more than four months, but he already showed a lot of promise,” Master Ekin said. “This would be a great fight. Valisado is

I know my opponent is undefeated in three fights, but I am ready for him. I came to Cebu to study, but I found and fell in love with Yaw Yan. SIMON UCHENNA

a veteran and a knockout specialist, but Simon is also looking for a stoppage.”

Valisado is a veteran of three fights and won all three. He’s a stocky fighter with immense power in his fists.

“Valisado has a powerful punch, but I am taller than him. I want to utilize all my advantages and I am just going to fight smart,” said Uchenna.

The main event features a classic matchup between a striker and a grappler when Citi BJJ’s Cipoz Guadez faces off with Tonix Borress of JB Dream Fitness Gym.

The event, which is in cooperation with Cebu City Sports Commission and HASI Fightwear, also features seven other exciting MMA fights and four kickboxing matches.

Tickets are pegged at P700 for cageside seats, P500 for VIP seats and P200 for upperbox seats. For tickets inquiries text or call 09436568900. /