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After being an actor, a nurse, and a martial artist, Kapuso actor Rocco Nacino is wearing a new hat, this time as the Chief Executive Officer of mixed martial arts promoter Zeus Combat League or ZCL.

In the contract signing event held on September 11 at the Corte Ibiza in Tomas Morato, Rocco expressed his pride in wearing a new hat as CEO.

“Nandun na 'yung responsibility of making this work and, of course, there's risk also for them, e, in having another person as part of the company,” Rocco said in an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com.

He added, “Ngayon, I feel motivated in delivering, I want to deliver, I want to show the impact that I can give, I want to show my knowledge of the sport, and I want to inspire the young ones to start training, if not to compete. Start training, it's something na hindi natin alam, baka naman pwede kong career 'to?”

The actor also expressed how excited he is to showcase what he can give to the company. But how exactly did Rocco become part of ZCL?

During the panel interview, ZCL President and former MMA fighter himself Burns Soriano revealed that he and Rocco have been friends for a long time now. They even used to see each other in MMA and jiu-jitsu competitions.

“One time, sinabi ko sa kaniya, 'Bro, baka gusto mong mag-join dito sa Zeus Combat League?' kako. 'Magiging perfect 'yung partnership kapag pinagsama. 'Dun na nagsimula. Nag-reply siya, nag-meeting kami, tapos from there, naisip na namin 'yung mga iba't ibang idea para ma-promote and gumanda lalo 'yung mixed martial arts sa Pilipinas,” Burn said.

Soriano mentioned that he considers Rocco an MMA fighter because of his background in Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and Muay Thai, which made him realize that the actor is the best partner ZCL could have.

“Kasi, mas magkakaintindihan kami, at the same time, lahat pinag-aralan talaga niya. Nag boxing siya, nag Muay Thai siya, and nag Jiu-Jitsu siya so madali 'yung blend,” the ZCL President added.

As to why Rocco said yes to Burn's offer, the actor said he felt the sincerity and love the ZCL president had for the Filipino fighters.

“He knows what it's like to be a fighter, what he goes through as a fighter, and now, he has the chance to uplift and improve the whole system, and it's a big responsibility and 'yun ang nakita ko sa kaniya: a very selfless move that he made now being the president of Zeus Combat League, and I said I want in,” Rocco explained.

“Nung nakita ko kung gaano ka-selfless 'yung ginagawa ni Burns, sabi ko, 'I have to be part of this.' I have to use my reach, I have to use my influence and network to tell people that we have this, meron tayong ganitong option, people can enjoy this, 'yung mga mahilig manood,” Rocco continued.

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According to Rocco, aside from his influence as an actor, he wants to be an active partner to ZCL and provide marketing ideas and value to the company.

He explained, “Kumbaga, gamitin natin si Ryan Reynolds, kung paano siya papasok sa companies, binu-boom niya, tinataas niya 'yung value. I wanna follow the formula also of adding value to the company. Of course, not selling it, gusto natin palakihin pa lalo.”

“Marami, maraming gagawin. Aside from just showing up, marami pa'kong gagawin. Aside from that, I said kanina, I want to be an active partner. I want to be there commentating habang nagla-live para maintindihan ng mga tao, layman's terms. I want to be there to host so people can expect me to be very very present,” Rocco continued.

When asked if his wife and Sparkle artist Melissa Gohing-Nacino fully supported his new venture, Rocco said, “Of course.”

“Alam mo naman minsan, merong 'Bakit ginagawa mo 'yan? Ano ba 'yan?' But ang unang-una niyang sinabi is 'Congratulations. I know that's what you love.' So magsu-support 'yan, definitely. I'm sure she'll be there,” Rocco said.