MANIBUSAN STARTS NEW BRAND

By Patrick Lujan

As one of Guam’s MMA pioneers, Melchor Manibusan has remained in the fight game with his long-standing Spike 22 Gym and brand.

Now he’s branching out even further with another new clothing brand called ‘Cauliflower Culture’ – and it’s received immediate attention from the UFC.

“I started a clothing company catering to ‘Caulies’,” the former fighter said. “From all mat, ring, cage sports to rugby and Aussie Football. I was going to just launch online but just to wrestling (university, national and international levels).

“But UFC Fan Expo saw my post on Twitter and emailed me an invitation to launch with them.”

Former UFC champion Benson Henderson puts in some work with Guam’s Jon Tuck, Melchor Manibusan and Ricky Camp along with Tinian’s Kel Manglona. Both Henderson and Tuck are on the UFC fight card set for June 7 in New Mexico. (photo courtesy of Manibusan (L-R): Tuck, Manibusan, Henderson, Camp, Manglona)

At first, Manibusan didn’t respond and thought nothing of it. It wasn’t until a few days later when the UFC emailed him again asking if he reviewed the invitation.

If you’re launching this summer, why not launch with the UFC – the email stated.

“”So I finally emailed them back and said I’m in. It’s been a pretty interesting journey so far.”

According to UFC.com, the 2014 Fan Expo is a part of International Week which will culminate in big battles between Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva, Lyoto Machida vs. Chris Weidman and Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn.

This marks the fifth UFC Fan Expo held in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009.

Current highlights include:
•    50+ UFC stars and celebrities
•    Youth and adult, grappling and mixed martial arts tournaments 
•    Autograph sessions with fighters
•    Q&A sessions with fighters and personalities
•    Training and development sessions with some of the most influential figures in MMA
•    Live performances that showcase Las Vegas’ entertainment
•    Interactive fan events 

Manibusan’s Cauliflower Culture will be at Booth #1865 at the Mandalay Bay if you’re in the area.

“Small company, big show, great opportunity and I’m really humbled by all this.”