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MMA has bright future in the CNMI
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Posted on Jul 29 2008
If things work out as planned, the CNMI may host mixed martial arts bouts that feature teams from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the mainland U.S. squaring off inside the ring in the near future, according to organizers behind this weekend’s Predator or Prey.
Gorilla Warfare Productions’ Jeff Boyer said Predator or Prey is a mere prelude to bigger and better MMA events in the next few months and the team’s California promoter, Bobby Gamboa, even said it’s not too far-fetched to expect the Commonwealth to host a UFC-like championship years from now.
Boyer and Gamboa were joined in the press conference by UFC fighter Kimo Leopoldo, who is the first Hawaiian to ever see action in the UFC. He flew in to the CNMI to help promote Predator and Prey.
Leopoldo said MMA and the Pacific Islands are a natural fit because of the culture and the passion of the people here. He also said local fighters have what it takes to excel in the world of MMA but need only to improve on some of their techniques.
Mainland MMA fighter Johnny Mercurio also attended the press conference and said he was slated to fight “Kill” Bill Suares in one of the semi main events, but his opponent was unable to make the weight.
Boyer said they are still looking for a replacement for Saures and will finalize the fight card by Thursday. All the fighters will have an official weigh-in on Friday 1pm at Naked Fish.
Prior to that, Gamboa said the fighters will also undergo a drug test, a first for the sport in the Commonwealth.
Predator or Prey main sponsors Budweiser and PTI, meanwhile, said they were happy to help organize the MMA event.
MARPAC marketing manager Jojo Camacho, for instance, said his company’s sponsoring of Predator or Prey follows Bud Light reaching a sponsorship agreement with UFC a few months ago.
PTI marketing associate Brad Ruszala, for his part, said it was a no-brainer for the telecom to sponsor Gorilla Warfare Productions’ initial foray to the world of MMA since MMA is the fastest-growing sport not only in the CNMI but the whole world.
