Laayug shows ‘No Luv’ for Rangamar in ROP V

Chris “No Luv” Laayug defeated Derrick “Pinchi” Rangamar by unanimous decision in the main event of the Rites of Passage V: Raging Warriors last Saturday night at the Trench Tech Gym.

The judges scored it 30-27 for Laayug, who improved his record to three wins and one loss.

The 17-year-old Laayug of Trench Tech said he won because of his fighting style by grappling the 26-year-old Rangamar of Marianas Elite in their three-round bout in the 140-lb. weight class. It was Rangamar’s third defeat in five career fights.

“My strategy was to bring him down to the mat because I am not good in a standing fight,” said Laayug, who added that he is ready for a rematch.

In one of the earlier fights of the night, Shane “Pika Boo” Alvarez of Trench Tech ousted first-timer Sefich Lorenzo by tap out in the first round to maintain a perfect record in four appearances.

Of the 17 total fights, Andrew Sablan scored the biggest upset after he defeated Martin “Tom Cat” Castro of Trench Trench.

Sablan, a last-minute replacement for Leon Fasi, decked the heftier 175-lb. Castro and prevailed via TKO in the first minute of the first round.

Before the bout, announcer L.J. Castro described it as a “David vs. Goliath” match.

James “Asu” Castro posted the quickest win of the event by knocking out Jamie Hermosila a mere 11 seconds into their 140-lb. fight.

Castro hit Hermosila with a straight hook to the jaw that knocked him down kissing the mat at his own corner and he was rendered unconscious for a few minutes.

He was later revived by alert medical staff.

Trench Tech’s Roman “Sonic Boom” Alvarez drew first blood as he debuted with a first round tap out victory over Reagan Mality, who absorbed his second loss in two bouts.

Another first-timer Jerome Fujihira defeated Carl Jesse Takai by unanimous decision.

Alverick “Pretty Boy” Alvarez extended his record to 2-0 by beating Jason “Murdok” Kaipat in the second round via tap out.

T.J. “Ying Yang” Castro also won his second career fight by split decision against first-timer Joe Cabrera.

Angel Santos finally won a bout after two matches by defeating first-timer Jason “Gangster Farmer” Teregoyo by tap out in the second round.

Jess Santos also nailed his first win via second round tap out of first-timer Eric “Rude Boy” Torres.

In the 180-lb. weight division, Joe Ngiraibuch remained undefeated in two career fights after beating Sanderson Sebuu by tap out in the first round.

Styx Castro defeated fellow newcomer Joe Esteves by TKO in the second round of their 175-lb. match-up.

Fal Arriola defeated Rayson Ray by split decision. The judges scored the match 28-29, 30-20, and 29-28.

Newcomer Mark “The Dark” Nuque defeated Derrick Chen by TKO 55 seconds in the second round, while Ryan “Trouble” Ngirbabul prevailed via TKO over Sal Limes in 1:59 of the first round.

Jordan Ago defeated Filipino fighter Raymond C. De Luna by tap out with 1:37 in the second round, while Shawn Ogo won via unanimous decision over Ben Taisacan with a score of 30-27.

Before the start of the main event, fight promoter and Trench Tech Inc. president Justis “Cuki” Alvarez recognized Kelvin Fitial’s feat in the international scene after his gold medal performance in the Marianas Cup held last month in Guam.