Ilonggo MMA fighters impress in national event

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Several Ilonggo fighters recently made waves during another national Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event held at the Elorde Tandang Sora, Quezon City last March 5, 2023.

After reigning supreme in the 2023 Philippine Encuentro Championship (PEC) organized by Ilonggo MMA star Rene Catalan a month ago, four fighters from Iloilo went home with huge wins against the best of the best in the Philippines.

The talented pool of fighters led by Chester Brian Andres, Francis Nicoyco, Jayson Tabuada, and Marvin Chin, grabbed the spotlight who all represent the Iloilo Combat Sports Martial Arts (ICSMA) stable located in Iloilo City.

Established in 2009, the Iloilo Combat Sports training ground quickly established itself as one of the best gyms not only in the City of Love but also in Western Visayas.

Andres kicked off Iloilo’s terrific showing after winning via a unanimous decision in the MMA super featherweight championship qualifying match.

Nicoyco then picked up where Andres left off and reigned supreme in the MMA featherweight category.

Tabuada, who also won his last fight in Manila via armbar submission in the first round, extended his winning streak after another stoppage win when he pulled off a Kimura.

Last but not the least, Chin, one of the main supporters of the ICSMA, showed off his skills in the BJJ Blue belt Gi (featherweight) after winning the bronze medal.

These MMA practitioners were coached by Ben Gonzales while Jodeza Wen Danila served as the group’s team secretary.