First Boss Junaz Martial Arts Festival Officially Launched in Cebu
The protagonists of the main event for the upcoming "1st Boss Junaz Martial Arts Festival" joined promoters at an official launch press conference yesterday, Friday, March 13, 2026. This exciting announcement sets the stage for a vibrant celebration of combat sports in the region.
Collaboration and Community Focus
The Mulao Barangay Council has partnered with Yaw-Yan Ardigma Martial Arts Inc. to organize the "1st Boss Junaz Martial Arts Festival" on March 17, 2026. The event will take place at the Sityo Lumanoy Covered Court in the mountainous barangay of Mulao, Liloan City, Cebu. The launch event highlighted the community-driven nature of this initiative, aiming to bring live martial arts action to local youth.
Mulao Barangay Captain Junaz Azarcon, known for his personal passion for martial arts, explained that this festival has been a long-term plan. "This plan has been in the works for a long time. I am grateful to Master Ekin because it will finally be realized. Our youth in the mountains will now see actual MMA fights, not just on television," said Azarcon. He revealed that the promotion is part of the festivities for the Barangay Mulao fiesta on March 19, integrating cultural celebration with sports entertainment.
Main Event and Fighter Insights
In the main event, Jomhel Yabo from Lapu-Lapu City Strikers will face French fighter Jeremy Roigt of Survival MMA in Cebu City for an amateur MMA bout. Yabo, nephew of former ONE Championship veteran Jimmy Yabo, expressed his readiness despite the pressure. "This is my first fight, and it's the main event with a press conference—there's definitely pressure, but I am ready. Enemies inside the ring but friends outside; this is a real fight," he stated.
Roigt, who was originally on vacation in Cebu, shared his enthusiasm after meeting former ONE Championship fighter Roel Rosauro, who became his trainer. "I like what he said, enemies inside the ring but friends outside the ring. It shows that we are human. We will give our best," Roigt commented, emphasizing the sportsmanship and competitive spirit of the event.
Event Details and Future Plans
Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga Jr., head of Yaw-Yan Ardigma Martial Arts Inc., detailed the festival's lineup. Starting at 2:00 PM, it will feature:
- Four MMA bouts
- Ten kickboxing or Muay Thai fights
- Two Brazilian jiu-jitsu contests
Additionally, demonstrations of other martial arts will be showcased, including Pencak Silat, Capoeira, Vovinam, and Arnis, offering a diverse and educational experience for attendees.
Azarcon and Master Ekin have plans to expand the festival if it proves successful. They aim to bring future editions to the city center, potentially growing it into a larger regional attraction. This initiative not only promotes martial arts but also fosters community engagement and youth development in Cebu.
