Striegl set for UFC return with documentary

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Mark Striegl is set to make his return to the Octagon next month, as the Filipino-American mixed martial artist goes up against Chas Skelly in a featherweight matchup in UFC Fight Night 202 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Striegl is looking to bounce back after a disappointing debut back in October, having been knocked out  in the first round by Said Nurmagomedov in UFC Fight Night 180.

He shares, "I am super excited about this fight. I have signed a contract for the fight. Oddly enough, Chas and I have the same professional fight record of 18-3-0 (wins-loss-draws). I am definitely excited and gunning for my first win."

Mark has been training at George Castro's MMA Lab in Peoria, Arizona since the start of the year. He shares about his preparations, "There is a huge advantage coming in early to the United States where I get to train in one place as opposed to moving around in Manila because of the pandemic protocols," he explains.

He also notes, "It’s all camp training and working out then rest. It allows me to really focus and prepare. Some fighters have the benefit of several months of training, but we take what is given to us and make the most out of the opportunity."

Striegl also notes, "Plus, I get to train under a former MMA fighter in George himself."

Helping him prepare for the fight is four-time All-American Bryce Meredith, who recently made his Legacy Fighting Alliance debut with a TKO win over Steven Merrill.

On how the Wyoming alum can help his preparations, Mark expounds, "When you work with high level training partners, it really increases your learning and confidence."

The run-up to the February 20 fight also includes a three-part mini-documentary being produced by TAP Digital Media Ventures, who also has the broadcast rights for the UFC in the Philippines. The documentary, called "Mark Streigl: The Road Back to the UFC," is slated for broadcast on February 2, 9, and 16, and it recounts his journey from Japan into the different fight outfits he was involved in until now with the UFC.

TAP DMV marketing manager Rely San Agustin says, "TAP DMV is excited to be working with Mark Striegl and to bring not only his fights, but also the UFC to the Filipino audience which is considered as one of the most rabid MMA fan bases in the world."

UFC Fight Night 202 is set to be broadcast on Premier Sports via cable television, as well as their streaming app Tap Go.

Filipino-American Jordan Williams set for UFC 268

Bomaye set to take part at UFC 268

Expected to make headlines at the much-anticipated UFC 268 this weekend is the rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington for the welterweight title. Also deserving some attention is another rematch, this time between Rose Namajunas and Zhang Weili for the women's strawweight title, the co-main to the Usman-Covington main event.

However, someone that potentially could warrant some attention to Filipino fight fanatics in particular is tucked away in the Prelims.

In fact, opening the prelims portion of UFC 268 is a matchup between Jordan Williams and Ian Garry. Whilst the latter is making his UFC debut after winning his first seven fights, the former still seeks his first official win inside the Octagon.

Williams earned his way into the UFC through the Dana White's Contender Series. After a no-contest against Tim Caron back in 2018 and a loss against Ramazan Kuramagomedov in 2019, he broke through with knockout victory over Gregory Rodrigues in September 2020.

He shares, "I fought my way into the UFC. I am going to do my best to stay there. It is electrifying to be here in the UFC. I was a mix of emotions to be in the UFC after putting in a decade of work. I was dancing, crying, smiling..."

That paved the way for a couple of fights inside the Octagon, a unanimous decision loss against Nassourdine Imavov in Fight Night: Holm vs Aldana last October 2020 and a submission defeat against Mickey Gall at Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Dillashaw this past July.

Facing Garry, who earned his ticket into the UFC with his experience at Cage Warriors, Jordan says, "It’s going to be a technical match-up. He’s (Ian) a very good striker and his IQ is far from where his career is supposed to be. He mixes it up a lot. I like the match-up. It’s going to be a big match. At this point, I need to prove I belong."

He adds, "I need to derail his hype train and put myself on those tracks."

The man called "Bomaye" has a multi-faceted ancestry, having American, German, Nigerian, and Filipino ancestry. His Filipino heritage can be traced to his grandfather, who came over to the United States via the US Navy. Jordan is very much proud of his roots, showcasing all of them with tattoos on his right shoulder, or also known as his "heritage shoulder."

Jordan concludes, "I got into MMA because while wrestling in school, my friends and I saw Anderson Silva fight. He was such an inspiration. I would also like to draw inspiration and support from my Filipino roots this Sunday at UFC 268."

UFC 268, which is taking place inside the world-famous Madison Square Garden, will be available locally through the Premier Sports Channel, which is on Channel 272 HD on Cignal and HD 176 or SD 140 (Mega Manila) or HD 761 or SD 307 on Sky. Make sure to check your cable provider for further details.

It is also available through the TapGo Premium Plus plan on the TapGo app, which one can avail at PhP 599/monthly.

UFC All-Access now available on TAP Go

Coming to TAP Go

TAP DMV is doubling down on its investment on the UFC, officially unveiling its specific vertical within its OTT platform TAP Go for UFC All-Access on Thursday. 

UFC All-Access is a mixed martial arts fan's dream, able to satisfy one's craving with content available inside the world's largest MMA library, while also providing live and catch-up action.

One can relive the recent UFC events that have been shown on TAP Go, which includes the last three UFC Fight Nights, as well as the recent episodes of the Dana White Contenders Series, all while waiting for the two big pay-per-view events: UFC 267 and UFC 268, the former featuring the light heavyweight title fight between Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira taking place at Fight Island, and the latter being the much anticipated title rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

Other non-live content such as UFC Classics, UFC Submissions, UFC The Walk, UFC Greatest Fights, UFC Ultimate Knockouts and many more can now be accessed on demand simply by downloading TAP Go.

In addition, TAP DMV also revealed on Friday that both TAP Go and its linear television channel Premier Sports are now the exclusive home of UFC in the Philippines.

In making the announcement, TAP DMV Marketing Manager Rely San Agustin shares, "We are excited to bring the Filipino UFC fan all the terrific action of the most exciting MMA organization in the world, through UFC All-Access on TAP GO. Get your fill of all the UFC action both live and non-live programs; all in one TAP."

UFC All-Access is bundled within the TAP Go Premium Plus package, which is available monthly for PhP 599. However, TAP DMV is offering a special promo for the month of October, costing just PhP 1499 for the next three months for those inclined. Fans can either log on to www.tapgo.tv or download the TAP GO app on IOS and Android and click on one of the plans being offered on the site.

UFC lands on TAP

Mixed martial arts fans need not worry in the aftermath of Disney's decision to shut down its channels in Asia.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has found a new home. This was made possible with a new partnership with TAP DMV, allowing its content to be shown on its OTT platform TAP Go, as well as its linear channel Premier Sports. Terms for the deal were not disclosed, but it is for multiple years.

The partnership will effectively commence starting October 3 with UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Walker. All in all, 42 live UFC events, including twelve in pay-per-view and thirty UFC Fight Nights will be shown both on TAP Go and Premier Sports. Other UFC-related content will also be made available, like the upcoming Dana White's Contender Series Asia, as well as UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, and archival footage.

Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President - Asia, shares "The Philippines has such a long history and love for combat sports, and UFC has had a tremendous following for many years. Now, more than ever before, our partnership with TAP GO and PREMIER SPORTS will give these fans variety and accessibility to the UFC."

TAP DMV Chief Technology Officer Gonzalo de Guia adds, "We are excited to bring the Filipino UFC fan all the terrific action of the most exciting MMA organization in the world, UFC to TAP GO and PREMIER SPORTS. UFC fans are some of the most passionate and loyal fans and we plan to bring them an incredible menu of UFC content through our platforms. We can’t wait to get started."

Fight fans will be able to subscribe for the UFC with the TAP Go Premium Plus package, which is worth PhP 599 monthly. However, a special promotional deal for the month of October allows subscribers to avail of an introductory promo of PhP 1490 for three months. TAP DMV also expressed interest in crafting a UFC-specific package in the future. One can either download the app on Google Play or the Apple Store or go online at www.tapgo.tv and register.

Do check with your cable provider if the channels under the auspices of TAP DMV are available

UFC finds new hub in FOX+:

UFC 234, folks

For those looking for UFC action in the Philippines, there is a new place to catch such action.

Fox+ is now the new home of the UFC, and the month of February is already set for some fireworks inside the Octagon.

Having just shown Assuncao-Moraes 2 last week, fight fans now await the much-anticipated middleweight title fight between Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum, which serves as the main event for UFC 234 tomorrow.

Fresh from dispatching Michael Bisping and Jacare Souza, Gastelum earned the opportunity to face Whittaker, who is making his first official title defense. We can expect something special from this main event, as three of current undisputed champion's last four fights were bestown the "Fight of the Night" nod.

As for what lies ahead, UFC fans can check out Francis Ngannou vs Cain Velasquez (a.k.a UFC on ESPN 1) on February 18 and Jan Blachowicz vs Thiago Santos (a.k.a UFC Fight Night 145) on February 24.

And the much-anticipated Octagon debut for Ben Askren will take place during UFC 235 on March 2, with the former ONE Championship titleholder faces former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.

All of these fights, plus plenty more events, movies, and shows will be available for streaming at the FOX+, which you can access from your mobile device, computer, Apple TV, or select Android TVs via either the App Store or Google Play. For more details, one can check out foxplus.com.

Eddie Alvarez’ road to the Land of Opportunity

Kensington in Philadelphia is best known for the filming locations of both Rocky and Creed movies. Apart from that bit of Hollywood trivia, it is also the tough fighting neighborhood that shaped newly minted UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez to the man he is today. Born and raised right at the corner of Cornwall and G Street, Alvarez credits a lot of his character to his hometown, recognizing that circumstances would be completely different had he been from anywhere else.

“I think my biggest attribute inside and outside the cage is my ability to be resourceful – to find light where there is none, to be in a dark place and know that I’m still going to come out on top. I’ve been doing it at such a young age that it’s natural to me,” said Eddie Alvarez.

Growing up without many resources, Alvarez was forced to become resourceful at a very young age. With an imagination unlike most kids on his block, he chose to not be limited by his obscure upbringing, something that he compares to being like in the Elephant Graveyard from The Lion King. Sports was his way out and it translated to a respectful high school wrestling career that also presented him with opportunities to take it to the collegiate level. However, financial limitations forced Alvarez to abandon those plans and not long after he discovered mixed martial arts (MMA). The rest, as they say, was history.

Early on in his MMA career, Alvarez was able to find immense success in virtually every promotion he fought for. He established himself as one of the best fighters in the world outside the UFC and earned himself the unofficial nickname “The Underground King.” It may come as a surprise to many, however, that Alvarez never had the intention to make a career as a professional fighter.

Alvarez shares: “I look at this as an opportunity, not a career,” he says. “This was never a plan in the first place. I never wanted to fist fight for a living. It was something that I just started doing and I went with it.”

Back then, prize fighting certainly did not pay the bills as well as it does today but that did not matter to The Underground King, whose sole motivation was his competitive drive.

“I’ve been fighting for so long that it’s never been about the money and anyone who’s followed my career knows I just love it. There was a point in my career when I didn’t even know if the money aspect would ever happen,” recalls Alvarez. “The money is cool but the competitiveness of it is the coolest part. To be in a fight that millions of people are watching and everyone just wants to find out who the better guy is – that’s why I get up early and go to bed late.”

In 2014, Alvarez made his highly anticipated UFC debut and in just two short years, he shocked the world when he became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, proving to MMA pundits and fans alike what he has always known: that he is among the very best in the world.

Since winning the title, Alvarez has already begun to enjoy a first class lifestyle. However, despite reaching the pinnacle of the sport, he attests that he will never forget his humble beginnings.With his wife and four children by his side, Alvarez has become a product of his own success and failures, and now it is time to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

“When I’m done with this, I’ll be the same guy that I am now. I know who I am and I’m not going to lose my head doing this,” attests Alvarez. “The money is a by-product of a lot of hard fought battles against the best guys in the world. It’s cool that it has manifested itself and we can show something for it. My wife, kids and I have been though a whole hell of a lot with this fight game so it’s pretty cool to see.”

Alvarez is now set to meet brash Irish superstar and UFC featherweight champion Conor “The Notorious” McGregor in the main event for UFC 205: ALVAREZ vs McGREGOR. Set to be the biggest card in UFC history, it is also the first fight event that the world’s premier MMA organization will hold in New York City. It will take place in none other than the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.

“Three years ago, I came in the UFC and had a lackluster performance. Now we’re fighting in the biggest event in UFC history, in Madison Square Garden, in the East Coast – my home. Words can’t describe it. Walking around Madison Square Garden, walking around New York, it’s just hard not to get goosebumps,” marvels Alvarez who has gone through the unlikeliest of journeys in MMA.

A lot is certainly riding on the line for both combatants. For McGregor, he is looking to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts simultaneously. Alvarez, on the other hand, apart from defending his title for the first time, is on a mission to silence any more critics who doubt his claim as the greatest Lightweight fighter in the world.

Alvarez has made it clear that he does not believe McGregor offers much of a threat to him as compared to his past opponents. He remains confident as ever in his preparation, believing that he has the tools to derail McGregor’s hype train.

“I think technically, Conor’s a good fighter but after a certain point in a fight, technique doesn’t matter especially in championship fight. It comes down to your spirit and willingness to fight. I think that’s the main ingredient that makes a champion and I think that’s what he’s missing,” said Alvarez.

Alvarez is holding nothing back in training for what will be the biggest fight of his career. Whether it is his extensive fighting experience or well-rounded skillset that will play the biggest factor, there is nothing that seems to faze him or make him doubt that anything can stop him from having his hand raised in the end.

“I’ve had a lot of practice along the way. I know how to prioritize and make sure I’m doing everything I need to do to win the fight.”

While McGregor has held nothing back in the build-up as well, boldly claiming that he will knock Alvarez out cold, the UFC lightweight kingpin has made his feelings about McGregor abundantly clear since they first shared the same stage together.

“Usually when I square off with a man, my heart rate goes up. I feel something. I’ve never felt so unthreatened by a human being when I was up on stage with him. I’ve never felt so unthreatened by another man,” he said.

Only time will tell now who will seize the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Jon Tuck part of ROCKHOLD vs JACARE 2 card

UFC Fight Night Melbourne is just over a month away.

Another UFC fighter familiar to Filipino MMA fans locally gets a match close to home.

Guamanian fighter Jon Tuck (9-3) is set to face Damien Brown (16-9) in a three-round lightweight matchup, UFC officials announced earlier this week.

The Tuck-Brown match is part of the upcoming UFC Fight Night Melbourne: Rockhold vs Jacare 2 card that is to take place at the Rod Laver Arena on November 27, the same card that Pinoy MMA fighter Jenel Lausa is set to participate.

The Super Saiyan has demonstrated a virtually well-rounded mixed martial arts pedigree since making his Octagon debut in 2012, going 3-3 so far and proving that he can hang with the best that the UFC can offer.

To stake his claim in the 155-pound division, Jon will have to defeat a hometown bet. Damien is a former infantryman who has won a majority of his win via submission. However, the man dubbed as "Beatdown" has shown improvement in striking, especially after a first-round KO performance in UFC 201. The Brisbane native wants to make a memorable performance in front of a home crowd.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT® Melbourne: ROCKHOLD vs JACARE 2 will be headlined by an epic middleweight rematch between Luke Rockhold (15-3) and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (23-4). Luke is searching for his first win since losing the UFC title, while Jacare will look to make another statement in this five-round fight with heavy title implications

Do continue to check UFC.com for the latest updates on the UFC. Follow them on Facebook (UFC Asia), Twitter and Instagram (@ufc).

Jenel Lausa to make UFC debut at UFC Fight Night Melbourne

With the surprising cancellation of #UFCManila originally slated for October 15, it set off the rebooking of all the fights that were set to take place at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Among the matches that were rescheduled involved Filipino fighter Jenel Lausa (6-2). The Iloilo-based "Demolition Man" will now make his UFC debut against Yao Zhikui at the UFC Fight Night Melbourne: Rockhold vs Jacare 2 card on November 27 at the Rod Laver Arena.

Lausa is the latest Pinoy fighting prospect recruited to participate in the world's premier MMA organziation, after becoming a flyweight titleholder in his last regional stop. With his strong striking background, he will put his four-match winning streak against The Conqueror, who is a nationally-ranked wrestler that is noted for pushing an aggressive fighting style.

When he steps inside the famed Octagon® for the first time, Lausa will be realizing a life-long dream. He is determined to make a lasting impression among UFC fans as the first Filipino MMA champion to join the ranks of the greatest fighters in the world. Now competing with the very best flyweights in the sport of mixed martial arts, Lausa is ready to showcase his talents in front of the thousands of fans in attendance and the millions watching around the globe.

UFC Fight Night Melbourne will feature the five-round middleweight rematch between Luke Rockhold (15-3) and Ronalda "Jacare" Souza (23-4). Rockhold is seeking his first win since losing the title, while Souza is looking to impress to possibly net himself a possible title shot against Michael Bisping, who just successfully defended the title at UFC 204.

Do continue to check out UFC.com for more details and other fight news. Follow them on Facebook (UFC Asia), Twitter and Instagram (@ufc).

Jon Tuck gets new opponent for UFC Fight Night Manila

The first fighter change in UFC Fight Night Manila has taken place, with Mehdi Baghdad having to bow out from the card and his bout with Jon Tuck due to an injury.

In his place, the "Super Saiyan" will now face Alex Volkanowski (13-1).

Dubbed as "The Hulk," Volkanovski is on a ten-fight winning streak will be making his UFC debut, with nine of them coming in either knockout or submission. Some have put him in consideration as arguably the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter from Australia.

Alex is excited to put on a show for fight fans and will look to extend that winning run with his trademark overhand right.

Make sure to continue to check out UFC.com or its social media networks for the latest updates.

Jenel Lausa to make UFC debut in UFC Fight Night Manila

The UFC announced a couple more matches to take place within UFC Fight Night Manila: Lamas vs Penn

The first bout announced involves local rising star Jenel Lausa (6-2) against Yao Zhikui (2-4). Currently a regional flyweight titleholder, Jenel just signed with the UFC, becoming the first homegrown title-holder to fight for the organization. A former boxing champion and jiu-jitsu practitioner, The Demolition Man has won his last four fights and will look replicate that success in front of his home fans.

His opponent is familiar with fighting here in the Philippines, as Zhikui was part of the first UFC Fight Night Manila card last May 2015. The Conqueror is extremely confident that his aggressive fighting style would net him a second victory in Manila.

The other match announced features a middleweight clash between Alex Nicholson (7-2) and Sam Alvey (28-8). A former Golden Gloves boxing champion, Nicholson has knocked out his opponent in six of his seven wins. The Spartan will be up against the always smiling Alvey, who is on a two-fight winning streak.

Headlining UFC Fight Night Manila is a five-round matchup between BJ Penn and 4th-ranked featherweight Ricardo Lamas, while the co-main event features Derrick Lewis and Marcin Tybura.

The other bouts already announced are:

• Flyweight showdown between Japan’s own title contender No. 3 ranked Kyoji Horiguchi (17-2-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida USA) and No. 8 ranked Ali Bagautinov (14-4-0, fighting out of Dagestan, Republic of Russia).
• A Strawweight bout between Seo Hee Ham (16-7-0, fighting out of Busan, South Korea) and Danielle “Dynamite” Taylor (7-2-0, fighting out of Van Nuys, California USA) in what will be the first-ever women’s bout UFC will hold in the Philippines.
• A Featherweight clash featuring Cole “Magrinho” Miller (21-10-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida USA) taking on Mizuto “Pugnus” Hirota (18-7-2, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan).
• A Lightweight battle between Medhi “The Sultan” Baghdad (11-4-0, fighting out of Los Angeles, California USA) and Jon “Super Saiyan” Tuck (9-3-0, fighting out of Hagatna, Guam).
• A Welterweight bout between James “Moon Walker” Moontasri (9-4-0, fighting out of Los Angeles, California USA) and Alex “The Great White” Morono (12-3-0, fighting out of Houston, Texas USA).
• A Middleweight bout between Dongi “The Ox” Yang (12-3-0, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) and Ryan Janes (8-1-0, fighting out of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada).
• A Lightweight bout between Yusuke Kasuya (9-2-2, fighting out of Kanagawa, Japan) and Damir Hadzovic (10-3-0, fighting out of Copenhagan, Denmark).

For more updates on the UFC, do visit UFC.com, as well as its different social media accounts.

UFC Fight Night Manila taking shape

With the October 15 fight date getting closer and closer, the UFC has slowly but surely cobbled together the fight card for UFC Fight Night Manila.

With Ricardo Lamas vs BJ Penn serving as the main event, the undercard got its latest boost with Yusuke Kasuya going up against Damir Hadzovic in a lightweight bout.

Kasuya (9-2-2) is trained in both karate and mixed martial arts, with all but one of his wins coming via submission. Hadzovic (10-3) owns a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and welcomes the challenge of ground-based battle if it happens. If it remains an upright fight, Damir is confident that his speed will be enough against the Japanese.

Serving as the co-main event of UFC Fight Night Manila is a heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis (16-4) and Marcin Tybura (14-2).

Other fights slated include:

A top-10 flyweight matchup between 3rd-ranked Kyoji Horiguchi (17-2) and 8th ranked Ali Bagautinov (14-4).

The first UFC women's match in Philippine soil, as Seo Hee Ham (16-7) faces Danielle Taylor (7-2) in a strawweight bout.

Cole Miller (21-10) and Mizuto Hirota (18-7-2) in a featherweight match.

Medhi Baghdad (11-4) and Jon Tuck (9-3) in a lightweight match.

James Moontasri (9-4) and Alex Morono (12-3) in a welterweight match.

Dongi Yang (12-3) and Ryan Janes (8-1) in a middleweight match.

Make sure to check out UFC.com for more updates regarding the UFC, as well as its different social media accounts. Official hashtag is #UFCManila

Max Holloway to be in the Philippines for #UFCManila

The UFC officially announced that Jerome-Max "Blessed" Holloway will be coming to the Philippines next week as part of the run-up to the UFC Fight Night Manila: Lamas vs Penn.

Set to take place on September 15-18, the highlights in what would be his first fighter tour here in Manila is a meet-and-greet session with MMA fans, as well as an open workout at the SM Megamall on September 17 from 2-4pm. Accompanying him in the tour is UFC Fight Night Manila Ambassador Mark Munoz and Octagon Girl Red dela Cruz.

Holloway is the current the 3rd ranked featherweight in the UFC, with wins over Ricardo Lamas and Cole Miller, both of whom are on the UFC Fight Night Manila card. He also is the first fighter to go the distance against reigning UFC Featherweight champion Connor McGregor.

The visit highlights the commitment the UFC has in continuing to bring the best MMA fighters from all over the world to Filipinos.

UFC Fight Night Manila is scheduled on October 15, 2016 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The event is sponsored by Monster Energy, Harley-Davidson Asia-Pacific, Hudson Shipping Lines, Phoenix Petroleum, Reebok Philippines, Lazada.com.ph, Police Watches, and Smart Bro.

Tickets for the event are available via SM Tickets.

Smart Bro with a sweet deal alongside UFC Fight Night: Manila

Ricardo "The Bully" Lamas and BJ "The Prodigy” Penn face off in front of UFC Executive Vice President and General Manager, Asia, Kenneth Berger (middle). The two fighters will headline UFC FIGHT NIGHT® Manila: LAMAS vs. PENN at SM MOA Arena on Oct.15. With Smart Bro as the official mobile carrier partner of the UFC in the Philippines, subscribers can look forward to exclusive perks and experiences at the much anticipated event.

With the fight card for the UFC Fight Night that will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on October 15 slowly being completed, Filipino mobile broadband provider Smart Bro was also revealed to be the official mobile broadband partner for the UFC here in the country.

VP and Consumer Broadband Marketing Head Gary Dujali says "We expect the return of the UFC FIGHT NIGHT® Manila to be more explosive than ever, and our subscribers can watch out for an unrivaled UFC experiences that only Smart Bro can deliver. Beyond offering the country's fastest, widest and most reliable mobile broadband connection, Smart Bro is big on enriching the passions of our subscribers with unparalleled experiences. By getting a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi or our iPad mini 2 for as low as P599 a month now, Filipino UFC fans have the chance to unlock exclusive Smart Bro UFC experiences."

Smart Bro had recently unveiled the iPad Mini 2 deal, which it considers to be the best one ever in the market. For those who are already subscribing to the Smart Bro Plan 299 deal, one can upgrade to the Plan 599 from their current deal and just add a PhP 2,500 cash-out to be able to own that tablet.

To celebrate their multi-year partnership with the UFC, Smart Bro has hosted UFC live viewing parties with special perks for Smart Bro subscribers. They also sent lucky subscribers to Las Vegas for UFC 200 at the T-Mobile Arena.

Smart Bro's fast and reliable connection is very handy for those who use UFC Fight Pass, the digital platform that MMA fans go to for exclusive UFC content and of course, access to the world's largest online library of fight content.

UFC Fight Night: Manila features BJ Penn against Ricardo Lamas as its main event, with the following fights also been announced:

Derrick Lewis vs Marcin Tybura
Kyoji Horiguchi vs Ali Bagautinov
Cole Miller vs Mizuto Hirota
Seohee Ham vs Danielle Taylor
Jon Tuck vs Mehdi Baghdad

For more details about Smart Bro's involvement with the UFC, check out www.smart.com.ph/UFC as well as Smart's social media networks: (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).