Without a fight lined up during the pandemic, this pro MMA fighter turns to kutsinta for a living

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed a lot of people on the edge. Work hours were reduced, jobs were lost, and even big businesses went bankrupt. But if there is anything we know and have seen over and over again, it is that the Filipino will strive harder when push comes to shove.

We’ve all heard the stories; from pilot to pares vendor, celebrity turned tricycle driver and many more. Coronavirus does not discriminate, hence it brought the world to its knees as people from all walks of life felt its economic effects.

While some may have tapped out to the life-changing losses brought upon by the pandemic, it also pushed others to persevere and look for ways to make a living amidst the crisis. One of those who opted to explore his options is professional mixed martial arts fighter Jeremy Pacatiw.

Not your typical fighter and MMA career

The 24-year-old Pacatiw hails from Baguio City and is training out of the famed Team Lakay. He competes as a bantamweight at Brave Combat Federation which happens to be the largest mixed martial arts promotion in the Middle East.

Similar to his teammates at Team Lakay, Pacatiw went to college and holds a degree in BS Criminology. The Baguio-based stable has always preached the importance of education and has worked for many years to break the stigma of prizefighters skipping school.

Pacatiw made his debut in 2015 against fellow Filipino Jiar Castillo at PXC Laban where he won by way of unanimous decision. He currently holds a professional record of 10-4 and has won four of his last five bouts.

Just like his seniors at Team Lakay, namely Eduard Folayang, Geje Eustaquio, and Kevin Belingon, who all hold a degree, Pacatiw is drawn to his love for fighting. He sees his academic background as a fallback when it is time to call it a day as a prizefighter.

“For now I have no plans of getting into the police force. I love MMA, I enjoy fighting and I find satisfaction out of it,” Pacatiw told GMA News Online.

From fighter to online seller

Pacatiw last saw action inside the cage against Felipe Efrain at Brave CF 33 in December 2019 where he won by way of highlight-reel knockout in the very first round.

Like many other sports, Brave CF was put on a halt because of the pandemic. And even though the organization is already looking to make a comeback, Pacatiw is yet to get a fight schedule from the promotion which puts his primary source of income in a limbo.

It was one of those quarantine days with his girlfriend, Marjorie Ay-yawan, that the couple decided to get their hands on making black kutsinta, yema cake, and cheesy puto ensaymada. And since they both have an online following, they thought, why not sell the tasty Filipino treats online?

“It started for personal consumption then we tried posting it online to sell since Marjorie is a blogger. We tried selling kutsinta then the orders came flowing,” Pacatiw remembered.

As a Team Lakay athlete, Pacatiw is taught by the stable’s head coach Mark Sangiao to make martial arts a part of his lifestyle. Even without a fight coming up, you can always find Pacatiw with his teammates sweating it out at the new Team Lakay Central Gym in Pico, La Trinidad.

Since being a professional fighter is a full-time job, Pacatiw and Marjorie made arrangements for their business to function without compromising the young mixed martial artist’s time for training.

“She does the cooking while I do deliveries. We get more than 30 orders a day so it can be tiring as well. I think this is a feasible source of income because people nowadays look for food without having to go out,” said Pacatiw.

“Marjorie makes it while I’m in training then I do deliveries when done at the gym. Sometimes we prepare it at night then I deliver it before I go to training.”

Can-do mentality

Some might think that Pacatiw would be better off getting enlisted a cop as his livelihood presents uncertainties during this difficult time. While that indeed is an option, being laser-focused on his MMA career would not allow that. He also plans to continue his business for as long as he could.

“I will pursue this online business even if the pandemic takes longer than predicted. What’s important is we have a livelihood while I focus on my MMA career,” he stressed.

Mixed martial arts made him tough, and if there is one advice Pacatiw can give during this crisis, it is that people should never be embarrassed about how they make a decent living to provide for their loved ones.

“MMA taught me to be mentally tough which is why I have this ‘can-do’ mindset despite our situation,” he iterated.

“We all need a source of income during this pandemic especially for those people who lost their jobs and have nothing to get by. If you have a business in mind I say go for it and ignore the negativity you may hear. What we have to do more than ever is work hard for our family.” – RC, GMA News