By Jay Leon Guerrero
The two “Jon’s” fighting in today’s UFC Manila card both successfully made weight and are ready to take the Octagon tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena in a stacked card that has the whole country excited for its UFC debut.
Jon “The Heat” Delos Reyes, or JDR, had no issues with his weight cut and came onto the confidently weighing in at 125 lbs. Jon “Super Saiyan” Tuck (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) and his opponent, Tae Hyun Bang (17-8 MMA, 1-1 UFC) both weighed in at 156 lbs.
Jon Tuck was on the big screen during weigh-ins at the Mall of Asia Arena Friday night. (photo by Jay Leon Guerrero)
Both fighters said everything was on schedule with their game plan and the weight cut went well.
“The waiting time to pass so I can step on that scale was the only hard part of the weight cut. I enjoyed every part of stepping on that scale and making it official because you know the battle is for sure. This was my best weight cut to date,” said Tuck.
“I was a bit more excited for this one. I was told this was the first time the UFC has two Filipinos against each other so we are making history. That really motivated me more, I had more adrenaline for this weigh-in,” said Delos Reyes (7-4 UFC, 0-2 MMA).
Delos Reyes came out with many cheers from the Filipino crowd as he walked out in a Philippine jacket. His opponent, Roldan Sangcha-an (4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), also received cheers as he weighed in at 125 lbs. as well in the flyweight division.
Immediately after the fight, the fighters received IV which is standard after weigh-ins. After the IV, the pair headed out to eat a long awaited meal. “I had pasta and will also eat room service later. It will still be something healthy for dinner,” said JDR. “I’m going to eat everything! Carbs on carbs on carbs,” said Tuck.
On fight day, the fellas will be relaxed and remained focused. “After breakfast I’m going to get a light workout before the fight to get the blood and energy flowing through my body, I’ll be fully recovered and set for war,” said Tuck.
Sonny Chargualaf, JDR’s coach from Team Countershot, said that everything is on schedule. “Jon is doing good, it was an easier cut for him. He loaded up on carbs after the weigh-ins so he can have energy for the fight,” said Chargualaf.
Chargualaf also said that it has been a great week leading up to the fight and being with Tuck was a definite plus. “He (Tuck) is a pioneer for MMA and him being here is positive and motivating for JDR,” said Chargualaf.
Tuck’s cornerman “Big” John Calvo said that training camp went well and they will play it by ear on fight day. “We will be relaxed on fight day, probably be in a joking mood, sort of a calm before the storm. Before the fight we will get the blood flowing with good warm-ups, then go to work,” said Calvo. “I wasn’t there at the training camp, but it’s been really good for him and we will look to push the pace.”
The fights air tonight at 9 pm Guam time with JDR taking the Octogan as the second bout of the evening on Fight Pass.
The main event will be a highly anticipated match-up between two former champions in the featherweight division. Frankie Edgar, former lightweight champion, will take on former WEC champion Urij
Jon Delos Reyes reps his Filipino jacket during weigh-ins at MOA Arena. (photo by Jay Leon Guerrero)
ah Faber.
Paddling
JFK SWEEPS PADDLING DISTANCE TITLES
Volleyball
FRIARS REMAIN CONTENDERS, DROP TITANS
MMA/Boxing
MARTINEZ DROPPING TO 185 IN NEXT FIGHT
Volleyball
FRIARS REMAIN CONTENDERS, DROP TITANS
Paddling
JFK SWEEPS PADDLING DISTANCE TITLES
MMA/Boxing
MARTINEZ DROPPING TO 185 IN NEXT FIGHT
QUICK HITS
Guam’s Wayne Blas completed his 13th Boston Marathon and 38th marathon overall.
The island’s record holder in the distance, Blas finished this year in 2:35:21.
“I’m very happy with this result because seven months ago, I was sidelined with a stress fracture that kept me out for three months. No running! To come back on an abbreviated marathon build and finish one of the toughest races strong and healthy was a big win for me.”
His time of 2:29:38 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon and World Marathon Majors Age Group Championships stands as the Guam National Record.
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