RP's Folayang stakes URCC lightweight belt against Saipan's Sablan

GARAPAN, Saipan – Saipan-based mixed martial arts warrior Giovanni Sablan of Trench Tech will challenge Edward Folayang for the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) lightweight crown in Manila. The Baguio native Folayang of Team Lakai will stake his URCC belt on July 18 in the main event of the Colt 45 URCC 14: Aggression. Last March, Folayang won his first fight outside of the Philippines in a non-titled fight here in Saipan. He only needed 52 seconds in the first round to win by TKO over Marianas Elite Jerome Norita. Folayang, who is now 4-0, is a Sansho Karate expert before his transition to MMA. Trench Tech president and promoter Cuki Alvarez said Sablan became a household name in Saipan after his sterling performance in PXC 17: Fearless where he beat Guam’s Robert “The Real Deal" Wusstig. “(URCC matchmaker Willy) Carlos asked if (Sablan) would be interested in taking the match with Folayang. Obviously we were very excited but we had a little dilemma with the weight at first but asked the URCC to have Folayang drop to 155lbs," Alvarez said. Folayang agreed to drop down to 155lbs in order to fight Sablan. “I’m definitely going to the Philippines with victory on my mind. I think my experience and fighting style will be very tough for Folayang and I know that my training will pay off," said Sablan, who holds an impressive record of 15 wins in 19 fights. “I respect Folayang because of his accomplishments in MMA but I also know what I am capable of doing and that he should not take me lightly." Sablan said. “I will fight my heart out and I promise to do my very best,.". Sablan will be flying out to the Philippines on July 16 for the event with Trench Tech’s Jason “Rush" Tarkong as his corner man. Sablan is guaranteed to receive $800 with additional $500 if he wins the fight. – GMANews.TV