ROP 11 — set for September 9 at Saipan World Resort — will hold its “Battle for the Belt” along with 17 confirmed bouts.
Alvarez and Rangamar will face at 140 lbs., with the former holding a perfect six win-no loss record. Rangamar, representing Marianas Elite, is equally experienced at five wins and eight losses.
“The two fighters were chosen among a hand full of potential candidates based on recent performances in both local and international MMA competitions and overall experience,” said Trench Tech president Cuki Alvarez in an email.
Shane Alvarez defeated Kev Esteves in Trench Warz 14: “Ground Zero” last June to keep his winning streak. Rangamar, referred to by Cuki as “one of the most internationally experienced fighters on island,” has faced opponents from Guam, Tinian, and Japan. He faced Guam’s Joe Taimanglo in a Pacific X-treme Combat event in 2007.
“Trench Tech decided to match the two top guns to battle for the belt right from the start instead of having a tournament style match with 4 or 8 fighters. Tournament style match-ups do an injustice to the fighter by potentially having unfair advantages,” said Cuki Alvarez.
“One fighter may win his fight in 10 seconds and the other may fight all three rounds, rendering him ‘tired’ or ‘spent’ going into his next bout. Besides, making a fighter fight twice in one night is unethical.”
Alvarez stated that the belt will give “big incentives” for aspiring MMA athletes.
“It (the title) gives that fighter desire to train and win something tangible,” he added.
In the future, MMA fighters from other weight classes may expect title matches for their respective divisions as well.
“Trench Tech is proud to have its first ever title bout and is looking forward to crowning more champions in the near future,” said Alvarez.
ROP 11’s triple main event includes: Myron “The Natural” San Nicolas vs. Mylo “Alabama” Lassiter at 230 lbs., Will “The Kill” Chope vs. Maitai “The Charger” Charley at 150 lbs., and JJ Ambrose vs. Fasi “Quikdraw” Jesse at 155 lbs.
Other bouts feature:
-Ryan “Trobz” Ngirbabul vs. Derrick San Nicolas at 195 lbs.
-Mike Limiac vs. Brad Palacios at 140 lbs.
-Brandon Camacho vs. Danny Santos at 145 lbs.
-Walter Florencio vs. Leonard Cabrera at 135 lbs.
-Jason Teregeyo vs. Joe Duenas at 135 lbs.
-Frank Muna vs. Pete Keju at 160 lbs.
-Kevin Miranda vs. Josh Duenas at 135 lbs.
-Jared Santos vs. Jungle Boy Ogo at 120 lbs. (kickboxing)
-John Garcia vs. Jacob Ilo at 125 lbs. (kickboxing)
-Gianna Sarusal vs. Tara Namauleg at 150 lbs. (exhibition boxing)
-Irvin Saralu vs. Vince Masga at 155-160 lbs.
-Justin Dizon vs. Regino Mundo at 150 lbs. (kickboxing)
-Mark Nuique vs. Franklin Agulto at 155 lbs. (boxing)
Tickets are $20 and $25 for general and VIP, respectively. Doors open at 7 p.m. and bouts start at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available at: 670 Rock Steady Shop, Boarderline, Hannam Super Market, The Trapp Urban Boutique, and Trench Tech’s gym.
