URCC 85: Chope wants to get back at Paule

INTERIM welterweight champion Will “The Kill” Chope aims for revenge when he takes on Filipino challenger Brian Paule in the Universal Reality Combat Championship 85: UNDERDOG at the DD Night Club in Tomas Morato, Quezon City on June 2.

After capturing the vacant interim URCC belt against aretired Filipino fighter Arvin Chan last December, the 32-yearold former Ultimate Fighting Championship outlasted his three next opponents in different fight leagues before returning for a fight in the country.

“Since winning the URCC title, life is the same and hasn’t changed at all,” said Chope, a three-time URCC champion, who sports a 41-19 win-loss record. “I still actively coach and train and fighting as much as I can.”

Paule, an expert in boxing and wrestling, has already defeated Chope five years ago via knockout in an MMA bout in Dipolog City. And he’s out to prove that his victory was no fluke.

“It’s a mission on my part to get the title back for the Filipinos, URCC title is for Filipino fighters. And I want to prove that I can beat him again,” the 33-year-old fighter from Bulacan said. “I know how he fights so my wrestling prowess will take care of him, so I can avoid takedowns.”

Chope, however, said he will be wiser this time, when they face again.

“Fighting Brian is just another fight. It is nice to win against him because I get to avenge my loss to him when we fought in an exhibition match in 2017,” added Chope, who is now based and training in Thailand.

“That bout was just for fun, he weighed a lot more. This time on June second, it counts as a pro. I am a lot bigger, weight wise and also a lot better, skills wise. I am excited to get back in the URCC cage and get another win,” Chope said.

Paule sports a combined 8-1 win-loss record in MMA pro and amateur bouts.

“I will get the interim title from him for sure,” Paule said.