Fireworks are sure to lit the Benguet Sports Complex gymansium tonight as visiting fighters vowed to put on a show in the Team Lakay’s, in partnership with the Province of Benguet, fourth installment of Adivay Explosion. Lolo “Super Lolo” Cruz seeks to improve his 3-1 record when he takes on Argentinian standout Nahuel “El Roble” Gandolfi in the co-main event of the evening as part of the monthlong founding anniversary of Benguet Province. “I started my journey in the US and continue my journey here. I’ll just show up and show what I got,” said Cruz in the martial arts event backed by Cong. Eric Go Yap, who also serve as Team Lakay’s manager.
Headlining Adivay Explosion IV is an amateur MMA clash between Joris “Ace” Jonker and Sheraz “The Hooligan” Hussain. Jonker will be a in for a tough assignment against Hussain, a ONE Warrior Series alum. “I’m looking for a finish. I don’t want the fight to go to the judges,” said Hussain. But Jonker just brushed aside Hussain’s pronouncement, also vowing to finish his opponent whether on strikes or on the ground. Aside from the two blockbuster bouts, fans are also in for a thriller with amateur MMA bouts featuring Chad Mayos taking on Jan Michael Tabunot, Ezra Saclag against Deanhill Tindaan, Kurt Jio Sumilao squaring off against Brandon Albis, and Jed Sayud facing off Jason Hart Benwasen.
Four kickboxing battles is also included in the fight card featuring Lilian Sumayao against Jessa Mea Attiw, Dale Marie Mayos versus Junabel Gaki, Nathaniel Alvarez taking on Carl Bentayen and the faceoff between Hyuma Sibaen and Froilan Saking. Also supporting the event are KM Ngayon Na party list, Fairtex, Hiraya by Chief Yuma and Board Member Armando Lauro and family, which underscores Team Lakay commitment in nurturing grassroots martial arts talent in the region.
Team Lakay CEO and head coach Mark Sangiao meanwhile said the event is seen as a stepping stone for upcoming fighters as they hope to stage more events like this to discover more talents. “Carlo Bumina-ang started his career here. Now he is figthing in the world stage. This is one way of discovering talents, and hopefully they can make it to the world stage,” said Sangiao during the press presentation of figthers Friday afternoon.
