Fighters weigh in today; stage set for tomorrow

No-holds barred mixed martial arts competition will soon take center stage and bring thrills and excitement to all in attendance as Fury III: Fighting Islands Saipan unfolds tomorrow night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

As of last night, organizers have already begun setting up the site.

Nine cards are already set but before the fighters enter the spiketagon, a mandatory weigh-in will be held today at the Kilili Pavilion from 12pm to 3pm.

Cuci Alvarez, co-owner of Tranchteck Purebred Saipan Gym, said yesterday that two fighters from Guam have pulled out of the competition. He, however, said replacements have been found.

All the hype leading to what was suppose to be a rematch from Fury in Rota between Rota’s Jay Villanueva and Guam’s Kevin Rogers came to an end after Rogers sustained a neck injury, forcing him to pull out of the contest.

But Alvarez was quick to say that a suitable opponent in the person of 150-lb. Roland Kapileo, has been selected to face Villanueva.

Alvarez was also pitted to battle his cousin, Pete Alvarez, but now has to await for a new opponent after Pete came up with pneumonia over the past couple of days.

Meanwhile, Tetsuji Kato, a strong bet in the main event, represents Saipan with a 17-5 win-loss record and will be moving to the island soon. He is originally from Saitama, located just outside of Tokyo.

Standing in Kato’s way is grappler David Padilla of Hawaii, who in a recent fight in Hawaii, lost to Saipan’s very own Anthony Torres.

Randy Taylor of Trenchteck Purebred Saipan earlier said Padilla and Kato would exchange blows in three five-minute rounds, while other fights may feature two five-minute rounds.

Tickets can be purchased for $22 in advance, or $25 at the door. VIP tickets are also available at $50. Doors will open at 6:30pm with Taylor expecting the first fight to get underway at 7:30pm.

Also, extremely intoxicated individuals, or those who are belligerent won’t be allowed in and would be denied access. Alcohol beverages will not be allowed in the premises also.

“We don’t want extracurricular fights in there,” Taylor said earlier.

Brothers Dean and Donovan Kapileo of Tanapag also make up the Saipan team. Dean is scheduled to fight Guam police officer Manny Chong, while Donovan will be put to the test against Jason Johnson of Guam.

Justin Cruz and Justin Ulloa will also square off against each other, while Chris Duenas and Darren Cruz would also be putting their muscles to the hustle. Another bout will feature Terrence Aflague versus Ishikawa. All six fighters are from Guam.

Fighters will have several rules they need to keep in mind.

“No eye gouging, no scratching, no eye poking, no biting, no kicking to the groin,” Taylor said. “Those are some of the rules and the fighters know that.”

The event is sponsored by Budweiser, Shell Marianas, PC Outlet, The Rock 97.9FM, Power 99, Marianas Cable Vision, Aquarius Beach Tower, Budget Rent-A-Car, and Trenchtek.