The UFC’s Executive Vice-President for Asia, Mark Fischer visited Manilla in the Philippines this weekend with local hero Mark ‘The Filipino Wrecking Machine’ Munoz and was so impressed with the level of support that he’s now been convinced an event should take place here.
Thousands of fans from the area turned up to see Munoz do a public workout, while earlier in the week the UFC middleweight star had been in a media whirlwind, appearing on TV and in newspapers and magazines.
“It’s great to see such a nice response to the UFC, to Mark, from the Philippines. The last few days has been a real eye opener.” Fischer told BloodyElbow.com, “All this is just making me want to go back and report to all the top guys, Dana, Lorenzo and everybody, that we have to have an event here in Manila!”
Fischer wouldn’t commit to a specific date for an event to reach there, but suggested it could come as soon as next year.
“It is still just a prediction right now, but I believe we will be here (in the Philippines) in 2014. We are going to have Mark Munoz on that card, and together let’s all make it a reality.”
Munoz is currently getting ready to return to action after an injury layoff against Tim Boetsch at UFC 162 on July 6th.
It should be noted that Munoz not the first UFC fighter to receive a heroes reception from the Filipino fans – the likes of Georges St.Pierre, BJ Penn, Chuck Liddell and Brandon Vera have also received the superstar treatment in the past.
However, as far as I’m aware this is Fischer’s first time visiting here and the overwhelmingly positive reception appears to have left a lasting impression on him.
