Chuck Liddell gives local fans an 'MMA treat' at MOA
By DENNIS GASGONIA, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/21/2008 8:50 PM
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Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans crammed the Atrium area of the SM Mall of Asia Sunday afternoon to catch a glimpse of Ultimate Fighting Championship star Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell while doing an open workout.
Most of the MMA fans started gathering at the Atrium as early as 2 p.m. The crowd began roaring at 3:45 p.m. when they saw the 6’2" Liddell climbing into the ring.
Liddell, who beat the likes of Tito Ortiz and UFC legend Randy Couture, showed the "moves", mostly based on Kempo karate and Koei-Kan karate, to the delight of local MMA fans.
The crowd even went nuts when the former light heavyweight champion greeted them "Mabuhay".
Even grown men, most of whom trained in martial arts, suddenly acted childlike upon seeing their UFC hero.
"Elated po, napakasaya," said Jayson Guijano when interviewed about Liddell’s visit.
Guijano said he is a Shotokan Karate second dan black belter and Liddel is his Number 1 UFC idol. "Idol ko talaga si Chuck ever since," he said.
After the exhibition training, some of Liddell's fans climbed into the ring for autographs.
Liddell was very accommodating, signing his name on almost everything that was brought before him, including beer cans.
Allan de Leon, who was clutching an autographed beer can while being interviewed, could not hide the thrill of seeing the UFC star.
"Astig na astig! Grabe," he said while beaming. "Grabe sobrang favorite ko ‘yan."
For Robert Distanas, an MMA practitioner with a background in wrestling, said seeing his idol personally is a once-in-a lifetime experience.
Parang iba ang feeling… kasi once in a lifetime lang ito e," he said.
