Quijano: Pinoy Power this Sunday

Jingo Quijano
Last Round

POOR Frank Trigg. If he thought that fighting a name opponent like Matt Serra would be a good opportunity to get back on track in the UFC ratings, he was sorely wrong.
Coming into the fight, I honestly thought Trigg was going to get his butt handed to him by “Terra” and obviously, my hunch proved to be correct.

The fiery, stocky Serra connected with a booming right hand in the second round and as Trigg went down, Serra landed two more sick-looking right hands that prompted the referee to halt the carnage.

Click here for stories and updates on the Sinulog 2010 Festival.

END. Prior to UFC 109, Trigg’s previous appearance was a TKO loss to Josh Kroscheck in round 1.

On the other hand, Serra looked impressive despite losing to Matt Hughes via decision in UFC 98.

These consecutive knockout losses will most likely seal the end of Trigg’s mixed martial arts career.

TRIVIA. In the very first page of his book “Made in America” former UFC Welterweight champion Matt Hughes, demonstrates his brand of humor by saying: “They say there’s a lot you can do in five minutes. You can change a tire, eat a sandwich, or choke out Frank Trigg (again)” in obvious reference to his two wins over Trigg by rear naked choke.

This guy’s funny.

PINOY POWER. This Sunday (RP time), national pride will be at stake as five Pinoy warriors are featured in high-profile fights at “Pinoy Power/Latin Fury 13” at Las Vegas, Nevada

Let me walk you through some of the fights.

Ciso Morales vs. Fernando Montiel--Our very own version of “El Terrible” is without a doubt facing the toughest test of his young career in Montiel.

Montiel you will recall, fought Z Gorres and earned a split decision win back in 2007. Since then he has been on a six- fight win streak, which was interrupted by a technical draw in his last outing against Alejandro Valdez.

“Cochulito” showed signs of vulnerability in that last fight, and this might be what Morales’ team is bent on capitalizing on.

Although Morales styles himself after Erik Morales, he lacks the Mexican’s power and tenacity.

Ciso likes to come forward behind a high guard and a decent jab. He’ll bank on his youth more than anything else in hoping to spring an upset.

To do so, he should box cautiously and utilize his height advantage. He doesn’t rely on a knockout punch, but Montiel isn’t exactly known for having an iron chin either.

Valdez knocked him down with a sneaky uppercut and “Team Morales” would do well to utilize this punch as a primary arsenal in this fight.

Bernabe Concepcion vs. Mario Santiago--We don’t know much about Puerto Rican Santiago, but we certainly know that his record of 21 wins, 1 loss and 14 kayoes is nothing to scoff at.

The best names on his menu are Steven Luevano (a draw), Hector Velasquez (a technical draw due to headbutts) and Daniel Attah (a stoppage win in the 9th)

Bernabe owns an anvil of a right hand and this has served him well on more than a few occasions.

In his last fight, Luevano was outboxing him before he came alive in the middle rounds and started scoring repeatedly with the right.

Bernabe was disqualified for hitting Luevano after the bell. It was a downright awful waste of a perfectly good opportunity.

I thought Luevano was lucky. Sooner or later, Bernabe would have gotten to him.

Unfortunately for Bernabe, he failed to secure a rematch and Juan Manuel Lopez got to Luevano first.

(To be concluded on Sunday with Gerry Penalosa vs. Eric Morel, Mark Jason Melligen vs. Raymond Gatica and Nonito Donaire Jr vs. Gerson Guerrero)

LAST ROUNDS. It’s on Last Rounders Jingle Fabroa-Knight and Valerie Macapagal who are celebrating their birthdays this week. Cheers!