Catalan vs Baluyot in URCC war of former world champs

EROS Baluyot, one of Philippine mixed martial arts’ rising prospects, looks to continue the hot start to his MMA career as he battles veteran fighter Rene Catalan in the main event of URCC 87: Heroes on Tuesday night at the Xylo at the Palace in BGC in Taguig City.

In an exciting striker-versus-grappler clash in the flyweight division, Baluyot, a two-time International Brazilian JiuJitsu Federation world champion, faces Catalan, a three-time wushu world champ and a former MMA world title contender in other promotions.

“Awesome, awesome card that we’re going to have here, especially our main event. We have two world champions here going up against each other,” URCC president Alvin Aguilar said about the headliner during the pre-card press conference last Thursday night also at Xylo.

Catalan (6-5) marks a return to the MMA cage after two years in what would be his debut at URCC.

However, the 44-year-old veteran believes it’s never too late to have his dream of fighting in the URCC fulfilled.

“This is my first time to fight in the URCC cage in my entire life. My dream of fighting here just finally happened,” Catalan said as he tries to end a threefight losing streak dating back to 2021.

But standing in his way is the 30-yearold Baluyot, who is currently 2-0 in his MMA career.

“I am really well-prepared for this fight. I am so excited to face coach Rene Catalan because he is one of the legends of Philippine MMA. He already built that legacy in this sports that’s why I am really excited about our fight on Tuesday,” Baluyot said.

“It’s going to be an exciting fight between a solid grappler Baluyot and a veteran striker in Catalan that you can only see in this upcoming URCC 87. So come to Xylo on Tuesday night.

Aside from the main event, other bouts are all good,” URCC co-owner and General Manager Aleksandr Sofronov said.

The co-main event backed by main supporter www.crazywin.ph features a grappling super fight between Godwin Langbayan and Red Samson, while another grappling bout features Troy Legaspi battling Paige Alitao.

After Tsitsipas dominated the first set, de Minaur surrendered a break on a double fault to open the second set but broke back at love in the sixth game to pull level.

Tsitsipas, who won 23 of his 28 firstserve points, responded with a break in the ninth game, seizing a 5-4 edge with a blistering forehand winner, then held serve to finish off the Australian after 86 minutes when de Minaur sent a forehand long. AFP

Zambo thwarts

San Juan five; Iloilo, Pasay turn back foes

ZAMBOANGA Family’s Brand Sardines quelled San Juan’s final assault and prevailed, 80-66, on Saturday in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the FiloIl Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

With their lead cut to 60-65, the Zamboanguenos regrouped behind twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, John Mahari and Joseph Gabayni and secured their 16th win against six losses, 76-62, with only 1 minute and 32 seconds left.

Responding to the steering of new Coach Louie Alas, the Zamboanguenos erased a 24-35 deficit, gained control by the end of the third quarter, 5751, and proceeded to snap San Juna’s 11-game winning run and pull down the Knights to 18-4 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

The burly Gabayni presided over Zamboanga’s balanced offense with 13 points and 6 rebounds, followed by former Knight Judel Fuentes with 12 points plus 7 rebounds, the Marcelinos with 11 points each and former Letran star King Caralipio with 10 points plus 8 rebounds that helped the Zamboanguenos rule the boards, 5343.

It was a pleasant start for Alas, a multi-titled coach with Letran in the NCAA, the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, the Philippine team and the ASEAN Basketball League, who has to make do without suspended Zamboanga big men Dexter Maiquez and Chris Dumapig.

San Juan got 18 points from Marwin Taywan, 17 points, 5 rebounds plus 4 steals from Adrian Nocum and 12 points, 9 rebounds plus 5 assists from Orlan Wamar.

In other games, Pasay turned back Negros, 79-73, while Iloilo trounced Quezon City, 77-51.