Bicolano fighters assert reg’l dominance at PCC 4

By Ryan Mostar

MANDALUYONG CITY --- The Philippine Combat Championship 4 (PCC4) lived up to its billing as the premier proving ground for rising MMA talent. Fighters from across the country clashed in a high-octane showcase of grit, heart, and technical prowess. And among them, four warriors from the Bicol region carved their names into the spotlight with emphatic, crowd-shaking victories.

Opening the preliminary card flyweight bout was Rafael “Rapido” Bolo of OC Fight Gym x Cris Cerillo MMA (Baao, Camarines Sur), who set the tone with relentless pressure and controlled aggression against Edison Pabillo. After two rounds of one-sided action, Pabillo was unable to continue, giving Bolo the win via fighter retirement. Clean, quick, and straight to the point — exactly what you’d expect from someone called “Rapido.”

In the main card flyweight bout, Justin Jones “Bones” Matoto, also representing OC Fight Gym x Cris Cerillo MMA, followed with a clinical first-round finish over Anjune “The Destroyer” Gallanosa. With calm, calculated precision, Matoto found his rhythm early and overwhelmed his opponent with sharp, surgical strikes. The referee stepped in with no hesitation. It was a TKO that didn’t just end a fight — it secured his spot in every highlight reel that night.

Next came Robin “D’Lion” Leonen of Smart Fighting Style Academy (Naga City), who turned in a composed and strategic showing against Francis Cabugoy in the main card bantamweight bout. After a measured first round, Leonen capitalized on a scramble in the second, securing a slick armbar for the finish. D’Lion didn’t brawl — he hunted, and he did so with timing, patience, and quiet precision.

Then came the bantamweight main event. Jethro “The Tornado” Saba of Saba MMA (Tigaon, Camarines Sur) stepped into the spotlight and showed exactly why he earned top billing. Across three competitive rounds against Jay Verdadero, Saba dictated the tempo with sharp striking, smart cage control, and composed movement. He never lost momentum — earning a unanimous decision and closing the night just as it began: with Bicol on top.

Behind this dominant sweep were the steady hands of Coach Jayson Margallo and Coach Norman Arenas, whose leadership and preparation were instrumental in shaping the Bicolano contingent. Their presence in the corner wasn’t just tactical — it represented the rising structure and discipline within Bicol’s MMA scene.

Four fighters. Four wins. One message.

What began as a national showcase became a regional statement. The Bicolano fighters didn’t just win — they controlled the cage, commanded the moment, and redefined the conversation. And in doing so, they reminded everyone that the future of Philippine MMA may very well be written in the South.