Kimo who made his MMA debut in 1994, is the only Pacific Islander who made it to the UFC.
The Gorilla Warfare Productions, one of the many MMA teams in the CNMI has made it possible to bring Kimo to Saipan to spearhead the Predator or Prey on Aug. 2, at the World Resort Hotel.
Aside from Kimo, US-based MMA artist, Johnny Mercurio will also come.
The matches of Kelvin Fitial vs Charleston Aiken, and Syl Teregeyo vs Slade Adelbai will be the main events to be followed by three more fights.
Incorporated just three months ago, the Gorilla Warfare that features the art of “jungle combatants,” is organized by a group of MMA artists and promoters on the island and in the U.S.
Jeff Boyer, John Blanco, Mark Sablan and Pete Sablan are the founders members on Saipan, and Alfred Hernandez and Bobby “Pitbull” Gamboa are the promoters based in California.
Hosting the Predator or Prey, according to Boyer is just an add-on project of Gorilla Warfare Productions.
Boyer said they want to bring international fighters to Saipan to train the local fighters. It was an initially plan that can always be the bottom line mission of their group.
Gamboa, a promoter of MMA fighters in California, the group said came out with the idea of inviting U.S.-based fighters to the island and at the same time hosting fights.
“It is really a part of our plan to bring high caliber people that will help elevate MMA on Saipan,” the Gorilla Warfare organizers said.
Having known Kimo for a long time since the Hunnington Beach Bad Boys time, it is very easy for Gamboa to bring the UFC fighter to Saipan.
Besides, Kimo is very supportive to the groups promoting MMA in the Pacific Islands.
The Predator or Prey opens door at 6 p.m.
Tickets will be available at Shell filling stations, Borderline, and World Resort Hotel.
There will be $15 tickets to jungle stage; $25 tickets to red box where viewers will have the chance to win $250 cash from raffle draw, and $35 to Taga Hall’s general admission and $45 to Taga Hall’s VIP where fans can win $750.
