Toves not underestimating ‘Shiska Bob’

Veteran mixed martial arts fighter Ryan “The Predator” Toves believes in the mantra “never underestimate your opponent.”

The High Blood Pressure Guam bet would again keep that in mind when he faces Spike22/TrenchTech’s “Shiska Bob” Alvarez in the main event of Trench Warz 19: No Turning Back on Nov. 27 at the Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall.

Toves and Alvarez are both lightweight division fighters. The weigh-in will be held on Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day, from 5pm to 7pm at Club C.

He said that he has no idea how Alvarez (0-1) fights inside the Eight-Sides division. “I don’t know [Alvarez] really well but I don’t underestimate any of my opponents.”

“Every fight is different. I just hope that we put on an exciting show for the crowd,” added Toves (2-3 with 1 knockout).

He has won his last two fights, the last a submission victory by triangle choke against Vince Pua in Rites of Passage 17: Road To Glory in August 2014, after dropping three straight.

Alvarez, meanwhile, suffered a loss by submission (triangle choke) against Eric “Gatty” Gatmen a year ago in Trench Warz 18: Rock & Rumble.

Toves is hoping that his three-month preparation would result to another victory against Alvarez. “My family and teammates have always been my inspiration in the more than 15 times [including as an amateur] I fought in the Octagon.”

The Southern High School-Guam teacher aide is thankful for the support and faith of his fans as he again climbs the Octagon.

Undercard fighters Keith “K-Oz” Ogo and GiovanniTaitingfong, on the other hand, are hoping to use their respective fans as additional motivation when they face separate opponents.

The 26-year-old Ogo, fighting out of Luta Top Team, said knowing that his kids—son and daughter—and the people of Rota cheering for him is enough inspiration as he takes on Team StrikeForce’s Jamaal “The Striker” Mresbang in a 155-lb bout in one of the nine undercard bouts.

“Win, lose, or draw, the people of Rota are supporting me. That together with my son and daughter are enough motivation for me,” said Ogo, who trained for more than two months in only his second fight.

“I will do my best to put on a good show and to my opponent, let’s fight and then celebrate with a barbecue after,” added Ogo, who has prepared for whatever Mresbang would bring inside the Trench Tech octagon cage despite knowing little of opponent’s fighting style.

“I do not know my opponent but I do know that you should always respect anyone who steps inside the cage. It takes a lot of heart to step inside the eight-sides,” said Ogo, who is taking up a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration at the Northern Marianas College.

Taitingfong said that although he now represents Guam, he would also like to acknowledge the Saipan crowd. He is originally from Saipan.

“I only have one month to prepare for MMA style but I want to give my home islands a great show,” said the 18-year-old Vida Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Guam fighter.

Taitingfong is one of the best high school wrestlers in Guam and slowly transitioned to Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. He said that he hopes to use his wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu skills to his advantage.

“I know my opponent has aggressive takedowns, and likes to ground-and-pound. That’s why I’ve been working a lot on my Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling skills for this upcoming fight,” added Taitingfong, who will be making his debut.

“Before, I have only fought on the mats, but now I’m fighting in the octagon. I hope to have a great experience. I am very excited to fight in my home island and see my friends,” said the George Washington High School senior.

His message to Down2Scrap’s Jadrien Camacho: “See you in the insides buddy.”

Trench Tech’s Ryan “One Strike” Muna and independent fighter Ryan “Trouble” Ngirbabul, who both won their respective debuts, are also featured in the nine undercard bouts.

The 18-year-old Muna, who defeated Matthew Sablan by way of keylock submission in Rites of Passage 18: Warpath this year, went back to training camp immediately after his July 3 fight.

“The support of my teammates and the death of my aunt are the inspiration that I use for this fight. I don’t know the fighting style of my opponent but I’m always ready,” added Muna, who will be facing Justin “Ichi Banger” Quichocho of Guam Muay Thai.

Ngirbabul, a club bouncer, hasn’t fought since beating Sal Limes by TKO (punches) in Rites of Passage 5: Raging Warriors in September 2008.