URCC’s Aleksandr Sofronov (middle) joins fighters Shidjiroh Delantar, Dondon Serrano, Allen Wycoco, Jerald Villarde, John Vallega, Dave Morata, Gemil Clarinio, Dan Ascano, Gerado Sismondo and Paolo Cruz. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
INTERIM Welterweight Champion Will “The Kill” Chope aims for revenge when he takes on Filipino challenger Brian Paule in Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) 85: Underdog at the DD Night Club in Tomas Morato, Quezon City on June 2.
After capturing the vacant interim URCC belt against already-retired Filipino fighter Arvin Chan last December, the 32-year-old former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) outlasted his three next opponents in different fight leagues before returning for a fight here in the country.
“Since winning the URCC title, life is the same and hasn’t changed at all,” Chope — three-time URCC champion — said, who is sporting a 41-19 win-loss record. “I still actively coach and train, and [fight] as much as I can.”
Paule, an expert in boxing and wrestling, has already defeated Chope five years ago via knockout in an MMA bout in Dipolog City — and he’s very much willing to prove to anyone that victory wasn’t a fluke.
“It’s a mission on my part to get the title back for the Filipinos, URCC title is for Filipino fighters. And I want to prove to anyone that I can beat him again,” the 33-year-old fighter from Bulacan said. “I know how he fights, so my wrestling prowess will take care of him to avoid takedowns.”
Chope, however, said he would be wiser this time when they face again but this time in a proper bout.
“Fighting Brian is just another fight. It is nice to win against him because I get to avenge my loss to him when we fought in an exhibition match in 2017,” Chope, who is now based and training in Thailand, added.
“That bout was just for fun, he weighed a lot more. Now this time on June second, it counts as a pro. I am a lot bigger weight wise and also a lot better skill wise now. I am excited to get back in the URCC cage and get another win.”
Paule is sporting a combined 8-1 win-loss record in MMA pro and amateur bouts.
The URCC fight card, organized by founding president Alvin Aguilar and URCC co-owner and general manager Aleksandr Sofronov, is supported by Crazywin and the DD Night Club.
Among the highlights of URCC 85 are the co-main event bouts featuring Rugbi Boy (2-0) and Allen Wycoco (1-0) who also both graced the fight’s news conference a week ago as they showcased their unwavering determination and readiness for their Bare Knuckle Welterweight Championship.
