Battle Royale IV - Another UPLB Betan Legacy

by Heugo Criador ’09A - the Fifth

In the world of sports, mixed martial arts or MMA, has been considered as one of the youngest but fastest growing sports in history. What started as a brute fight club for many viewers has now evolved into one of the most exciting and electrifying spectacles to be seen live or on pay-per-view. In U.P. Los Baños, there have always been student organizations that are capable of thinking outside the box to come up with innovative activities and events that bring a new and exciting buzz that the people have never seen or felt before. One such group is the U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Setting up for Laguna's largest amateur mixed martial arts event!

Trained to be well-rounded individuals and members of society, the brothers of the U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity were exposed to different environments such as athletics, academics, leadership training, and even martial arts. One of whom, Antipas Y. Criador V, was an avid martial arts student, and a huge fan of MMA. Seeing the need to create an activity that was one-of-a-kind and never-before-seen in UPLB, he turned to his love for the sport of MMA and decided to introduce it to not only the students of the University, but also the Los Baños community. Thus, Battle Royale was born. Taking the risk and braving the unknown waters of organizing an amateur mixed martial arts event, Antipas, better known as Tomsak, sought the help of local coaches and gyms, looking for eager and willing fighters to compete. With the spectacle advertised and a boxing ring, lights and sound equipment set up, over 600 fight fans filled UPLB Baker Hall on the 17th of February, 2012 for the first ever Battle Royale.

The fighters are prepped by the referee as the crowd eagerly awaits the bout.

The red corner, with the BR("Battle Royale") logo in the background,

along with the Fraternity's Seal and Malmon Karate on top

This year, Battle Royale IV aimed to attract both fans and young, up-and-coming fighters of the rising sport, and did so in extravagant fashion. On the 13th of February 2015, fans flocked to the UPLB Baker Hall and were greeted with a new set-up of the one-night-only arena. Nine surround sound speakers shook Baker Hall while the dancing lights accompanied the music. The fighters were given highlight by establishing a walk-way lit with LED lights for a more spectacular entrance, along with smoke and a spotlight. Out of the 9 fights, only 3 ended in a decision.

 Extravagant lights with a smoke machine makes for an epic walkout!

Brod Bim Labalan '12c as the event's ring announcer

In an event such as Battle Royale, the first fight is usually critical as it establishes the mood of the whole night. It was a good thing that Lorenzo Bautista and Mark Ramos were able to give it their all as their match served to be a great jumpstart for the exciting atmosphere of Battle Royale IV. After exchanging numerous blows, it was ultimately a swift knee to the body that brought Bautista down and gave Ramos the victory. It was a night of finishes indeed as three bouts ended in first round submissions. Justine Lumargue and Jovin Superales both secured a guillotine choke, quickly finishing their opponents while Wilson Mangulo scored an impressive victory with a Kimura lock in the first round. Even though they won by decision, Erdie Bautista and Ariel Oliveros also put up great fights for the fans.

One of two gorgeous Ring Girls, hyping up the crowd

Winner by standing guillotine choke

Come the co-main event, cheers were as rowdy as they could be as hometown hero Leo Diaz faced Kenneth Garcia. With the crowd behind him, Diaz’s confidence was high as ever, giving every shot his all. Garcia would not back down from the challenge as he looked to bring an upset to the Los Baños crowd. Unfortunately for him, the crowd’s cheers and support seemed to help in Diaz’s momentum as he eventually pinned Garcia down and unleashed some vicious ground and pound, forcing the referee to stop the match and declare Diaz as the victor. To follow the Diaz-Garcia bout with a match that has the same or even a greater level of excitement and awe would have been difficult if not for the last two fighters for the night.

Vicious ground and pound as spectators cheer in excitement

Victorious hometown hero Leo Diaz soaks in the roaring of the LB crowd

Seasoned fighters Jomar Manlangit and Eddie Estrada went on full force against each other. Manlangit seemed to bear the greater confidence as he danced to his walk-out music of “Teach Me How to Dougie”. On the other hand, Estrada remained calm and focused on the task at hand. From the start, both fighters never gave a moment of hesitation. Punches were thrown and kicks were landed, and Manlangit’s rib section was starting to show some bruising. But that didn’t stop the kid from Golden Boy Gym as he continued to wow the audience with his smooth movements and crisp technique, almost comparable to the likes of “The Notorious” Connor McGregor. By round two, it seemed as if Estrada’s barrages on Manlangit were taking their toll as Manlangit started to land more and more blows, especially knees. Despite receiving numerous shots to the body and head (resulting in a broken nose), Estrada refused to give up and continued to battle with his opponent. After two rounds of intense action, the judges deservingly declared Manlangit the winner.

Brutal head kick during the main event of the evening

Around the world, Mixed Martial Arts is becoming more and more known to the people and is growing its fan base at a rapid rate. The U.P Beta Sigma Fraternity, Los Baños Chapter is and always will be proud to have brought the exciting world of live MMA action to the people of Los Baños. In 2016, the fraternity hopes to bring the event to an even higher level as Battle Royale will reach its fifth year. With the help of the current and future gyms who sponsor fighters, old and new, and with the support of MMA fans in and around Los Baños, the goal of having the most epic fight night in UPLB history in 2016 will be far from impossible. Are you ready?