A highly-anticipated evening of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at UAE Warriors 44 saw Filipino fighters Joevincent “Karate Kid” So and Ernie Braca come up short in their respective bouts at Etihad Arena.
29-year-old So, who entered the cage with a pro MMA record of 10 wins and 4 losses, was bested by Aaron Abby from Wales in the Flyweight division.
His last victory had come on April 29 in a UGB fight. After the match, So took to Facebook to express his disappointment and commitment to the sport.
“I really hate losing and I don’t take it lightly,” So wrote.
“In this brutal sport, I’ve sacrificed a lot of time and effort. I’ve avoided gatherings, parties, and friends to sharpen myself. The damage I could receive can be permanent, all for an uncertain outcome. That’s why losing shatters my heart, my mind. But I’ll fix myself and be strong through this difficult journey. Becoming a fighter is never easy; it’s tough physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
Braca, who had a balanced pro record of 5 wins and 5 losses, also faced defeat, losing to Eslam Red of Egypt in a Catchweight bout at 150 lb. Braca’s last win was on July 21 in a CFC match.
In a statement, The Alpha One, a full-service combat sports camp, showed steadfast support for the Filipino athletes.
“Our Filipino warriors put in the work and gave it their all. They may have come up short this time, but they will learn from this experience and come back stronger,” they declared.
With 14 bouts, UAE Warriors 44 was a must-watch for MMA enthusiasts. Despite their losses, the Filipino fighters are not losing hope.
“MMA is a very unpredictable sport. There are no guarantees, and even the best fighters can lose,” added the statement from The Alpha One, urging fans to maintain their support.
