Saipan Tribune

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Monday, September 10, 2012

Two title bouts in ROP 13: Destiny

Trench Tech Purebred Promotions' Rites of Passage 13: Destiny will be highlighted by not one, but two title bouts, in addition to the anticipated Saipan versus France main event.

Guam's Rob “The Real Deal” Wusstig (4-5) of Countershot MMA will defend the coveted featherweight belt against Trench Tech' Fasi “Quikdraw” Jesse (9-4). Another Trench Tech bet, Mark “The Dark” Nuique (8-1) looks to bounce back from his first wane in a must-win setting as his bantamweight title is on the line against Zalaka's Jacob “One Blow” Ilo (0-2).

Ilo is replacing Marianas Elite's Maitai “The Charger” Charley (4-8), who was originally in line to face Nuique, but was removed from the fight card for having an outstanding warrant.

“In my opinion, Ilo is a tough proven fighter who well deserves the title opportunity for being one of Zalaka's top fighters in the weight class and for upholding a good standing as a model representative of the sport. He may have endured losses in both of his fights, however he delivered crowd-pleasing performance on both occasions,” Trench Tech's Cuki Alvarez said.

The Nuique-Ilo bout and 13 other tentative fights are scheduled for Sept. 28 at the Royal Taga Ballroom of the Saipan World Resort. Ten mixed martial arts bouts and four K-1 kickboxing exhibitions are initially listed on the fight card.

The main event warriors, Trench Tech's Martin “Ningbo-Slice” Cepeda (4-1) and Ground Fu's Ferrid “The Hurricane” Kheder (18-10-1), almost clashed last year, but the fight was pushed back after the former sustained an injury during training.The finale brawl is expected to be even more worthwhile after the wait, granted that both fighters weigh-in somewhere between 175 and 180lbs.

Kheder's experienced record clearly shows just how dangerous he can be, however he is coming off a slew of five losses and a no contest since December 2010, while a win for Cepeda would definitely make some noise throughout the region.

Other MMA matchups show a trio of bantamweight matches, which include Trench Tech's Vince “The Clinch” Masga (3-1) against Zalaka's Joe Duenas (3-1); Guam-bantamweight Kyle Toves of the Lights Out Gym versus either Garry Ray or Josh Cruz who are both 670 independents; and Saipan independent Ray “Faluwasch” Teregeyo (0-1) against Lights Out Gym's Derick Padrones at 135lbs.

Other matchups will have Wusstig's Guahan buddy Joe “Young Blood” Ramirez of Underworld Xtreme colliding with Team Haga's Travis “Flying Man” Eubanks at 170lbs; Marianas Elite's Vince “Vincsanity” Pua (2-1) battling either Trench Tech/Tiyan Tough Walkers' Roman “Sonic Boom” Alvarez (1-0) or Zalaka's Ian Iriate, at 150lbs; Trench Tech's Donavin Mendiola debuting against Pwang's Peter “Project K” Keju (0-2) at 160lbs; and Countershot MMA's Jared “Smiley Face” Santos (0-1) taking on either 670-independent Leo Mendiola or Tavita independent Kevin Villagomez, at 120lbs.

Notably, Trench Tech featherweight Shane “PikaBoo” Alvarez (7-1) is also listed on the card, but has yet to find an opponent.

In the kick boxing pairings, featherweight and Zeng Zung's Regino Mundo of Tinian will duel either Zalaka-first timer Nick Jones or his teammate Ajay Gonzales at 140lbs; Zalaka's Jordan Manglona will square off against Trench Tech newcomer Wini Roldan Jr., at 130lbs; Guam Muay Thai-first timer Kyle “300” Martin will challenge either Trench Tech's Renz “The Intense” Benghit or Zalaka's Ian Iriate at 140lbs; and Trench Tech's Jomar “Dynamite” Danas will clash with Guam Muay Thai's Jared “The Spartan” Martin, also at 140lbs.

Nine competitors are expected to make their debuts in ROP 13.

Tickets will go on sale, starting this Wednesday and can be purchased at Tha Trapp, Docomo Pacific, Boarderline, or at the Trench Tech Gym, which relocated earlier this year at the 7th floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $30 for VIP seating.

Contact Cuki Alvarez at 483-4MMA (4662) for more information.