by: Kim "BKK" Velasco
& viper
Smoker fights have been around for a long time already, but not a lot of people know much about them. Some even jokingly guessed that smoker fights are fights held between smokers. Silly, but is an indication on how much people actually know about them.
Fighters’ clashing in a gladiator-like throwdown in basements or social clubs is th
e concept or idea that I had in my head when somebody explained the idea of a smoker fight to me. Smoker fights are a great way for amateur fighters to actually compete and fight against another fighter, usually from another gym or dojo, as these types of events offer them a way to actually experience an actual match in a more toned down level of competition. Though on paper, smoker fights appears to be simply a class higher than sparring, they still offer a lot of the same excitement, danger, and experience that an actual fight would.
Just recently, 2nd of May, 2010, EDGE MMA held their very first smoker fight for all their students at Holiday Gym and Spa Muay Thai and Body Bar Gym, ITF at Dover. The smoker fight was held at Almendras Gym, in the same ring and gym where actual boxers here in Davao City train in, and it was definitely an experience that everyone involved would definitely not forget.
As I entered the gym, the atmosphere of the place was exactly like that of an underground fight. It was hot, humid, and revved up with a lot of testosterone and aggression coming from both fighters and the audiences. This, however, did not stop the fighter’s family and friends to come and watch the event. There were even some children present during the event, a sight you don’t normally expect to see in a smoker fight, at least I didn’t expect it. Nonetheless, everyone seemed ready and eager to see some punches and kicks fly.. and the punches and kicks did fly!
There were three fights scheduled for the first ever smoker fight held by EDGE MMA, pitting three students from Holiday Gym and Spa against three students from Body Bar, both classes handled by Ryan Cordero, under the tutelage of Dr.Vincent Vicente.
The first fight was between Karl Jude Lumanog and Ramil . Both fighters appeared ready to fight, and were raring to go. Once the match started, both fighters were a bit hesitant at first, not really throwing any solid punch or kick, but after the first few punches landed, Ramil from Body Bar began to find his comfort zone, and began unleashing a flurry of punches upstairs to Karl, some of the more devastating punches came from the clinch. Karl appeared shaken by the punches, but stood in the ring and fought to the best of his abilities. Ultimately, Ramil came out as the victor in their match.
The second fight was more grueling as compared to the first one, as it lasted the whole three rounds with toe to toe, none ending blows. Ian Cordova was pitted against Emilfredo Francisco. The first round was a strong round for Emil as he floored Ian with a straight punch to the chin. Ian showed no signs of fear as he stood up and bounced back. At the second round Ian threw several combinations that got Emil's attention. The fight appeared to shift advantage between fighters as they continued to exchange punches and solid kicks. At the third round, both fighters began to unleash all kinds of different punches and kicks, some of which can be associated to blows thrown during a brawl. On this final round on the later minutes, Ian showed heart and will as he threw a barrage of combinations to Emil prompting Emil to drawback and just played defensively. In the end, it was a decision by the judge to declare the fights as a draw, as both fighters have given their best by showing both heart and skills.
The last fight was probably the highlight of the entire smoker fight, as it was in this fight that the first and only knockout of the afternoon occurred. The fight was between Paolo Mabanglo of Holiday Gym and Spa, and Lemmy Guttierez of Body Bar. Paolo appeared more nervous at the start of the match compared to Lem. Lemmy's antics probably added to the tension and nervousness that Paolo might have experienced. Nonetheless, both fighters came out swinging.
They both threw kicks, and landed punches, but one kick in particular proved to be the one to end the match. As Paolo was backpedaling with his guard relaxed, Lemmy saw an opening and tried throwing a high round house kick which landed on the right chin followed up by a cross, knocking Paolo out. The fighters were separated and Paolo was given some time to recuperate, but the match was decided. Lemmy won via knockout 43 seconds of the first round.
Smoker fights have been around for a long time already, but not a lot of people know much about them. Some even jokingly guessed that smoker fights are fights held between smokers. Silly, but is an indication on how much people actually know about them.
Fighters’ clashing in a gladiator-like throwdown in basements or social clubs is th
e concept or idea that I had in my head when somebody explained the idea of a smoker fight to me. Smoker fights are a great way for amateur fighters to actually compete and fight against another fighter, usually from another gym or dojo, as these types of events offer them a way to actually experience an actual match in a more toned down level of competition. Though on paper, smoker fights appears to be simply a class higher than sparring, they still offer a lot of the same excitement, danger, and experience that an actual fight would.
Just recently, 2nd of May, 2010, EDGE MMA held their very first smoker fight for all their students at Holiday Gym and Spa Muay Thai and Body Bar Gym, ITF at Dover. The smoker fight was held at Almendras Gym, in the same ring and gym where actual boxers here in Davao City train in, and it was definitely an experience that everyone involved would definitely not forget.
As I entered the gym, the atmosphere of the place was exactly like that of an underground fight. It was hot, humid, and revved up with a lot of testosterone and aggression coming from both fighters and the audiences. This, however, did not stop the fighter’s family and friends to come and watch the event. There were even some children present during the event, a sight you don’t normally expect to see in a smoker fight, at least I didn’t expect it. Nonetheless, everyone seemed ready and eager to see some punches and kicks fly.. and the punches and kicks did fly!There were three fights scheduled for the first ever smoker fight held by EDGE MMA, pitting three students from Holiday Gym and Spa against three students from Body Bar, both classes handled by Ryan Cordero, under the tutelage of Dr.Vincent Vicente.
The first fight was between Karl Jude Lumanog and Ramil . Both fighters appeared ready to fight, and were raring to go. Once the match started, both fighters were a bit hesitant at first, not really throwing any solid punch or kick, but after the first few punches landed, Ramil from Body Bar began to find his comfort zone, and began unleashing a flurry of punches upstairs to Karl, some of the more devastating punches came from the clinch. Karl appeared shaken by the punches, but stood in the ring and fought to the best of his abilities. Ultimately, Ramil came out as the victor in their match.
The second fight was more grueling as compared to the first one, as it lasted the whole three rounds with toe to toe, none ending blows. Ian Cordova was pitted against Emilfredo Francisco. The first round was a strong round for Emil as he floored Ian with a straight punch to the chin. Ian showed no signs of fear as he stood up and bounced back. At the second round Ian threw several combinations that got Emil's attention. The fight appeared to shift advantage between fighters as they continued to exchange punches and solid kicks. At the third round, both fighters began to unleash all kinds of different punches and kicks, some of which can be associated to blows thrown during a brawl. On this final round on the later minutes, Ian showed heart and will as he threw a barrage of combinations to Emil prompting Emil to drawback and just played defensively. In the end, it was a decision by the judge to declare the fights as a draw, as both fighters have given their best by showing both heart and skills.The last fight was probably the highlight of the entire smoker fight, as it was in this fight that the first and only knockout of the afternoon occurred. The fight was between Paolo Mabanglo of Holiday Gym and Spa, and Lemmy Guttierez of Body Bar. Paolo appeared more nervous at the start of the match compared to Lem. Lemmy's antics probably added to the tension and nervousness that Paolo might have experienced. Nonetheless, both fighters came out swinging.
They both threw kicks, and landed punches, but one kick in particular proved to be the one to end the match. As Paolo was backpedaling with his guard relaxed, Lemmy saw an opening and tried throwing a high round house kick which landed on the right chin followed up by a cross, knocking Paolo out. The fighters were separated and Paolo was given some time to recuperate, but the match was decided. Lemmy won via knockout 43 seconds of the first round.
At the end of the day, pseudo fighters became real fighters. They already know what fighting in the ring was all about and they came out as better and stronger individuals. Equip with the first hand, first time ring experience they will grow and progress as true warriors.
A Post Fight Party came after and was held at Bak Bak Pryce where the students, fighters of both gyms hang out and had fun. A surprise number was given by some EDGE MMA members. It was a fun night where people get to know each other and truly became friends as, opponents at the ring became good buddies. 
All in all, EDGE MMA’s first ever kick boxing smoker fight proved to be a success, and is hopefully just a beginning of many more smoker fights to come. We need more and more of these types of events to help Davao’s fighters to become more experienced in fighting, and ultimately, help them develop into better and more menacing fighters in the future.
Kudos!!
Kudos!!
Thanks to the EDGE MMA team who were there to support, facilitate and make it possible...
Ryan Cordero the referee , Sid Cayon (cornerman, coach), Kim Milana(cornerman, coach), Richard Gallogo(cornerman, coach) and special thanks to Isaac Tuling who graced the event as the Judge.
Thanks also to the boxers of Alemendras gym who allowed us to use the gym on this ground breaking event.
Gus2 ko sanang sumali.. Pde poh ba.. Tga davao poh.. Tx nyo poh ako kung pwde ako sumali.. Ito ung # ko.. 09077136262
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