PXC 41: The Rise of PH WMMA

November 9, 2011, Saturday is a great day for women MMA fans. Philippine Xtreme Combat (PXC) 41 has now showcased the first WMMA fight in the Philippines. An all-out war between French-American Nathalie Heidel and Filipina Gina Iniong.

For years now, Filipinas had already been fighting in men-dominated sports like boxing, however, women fighters are not getting as much publicity as the men. Probably, this is because the Filipino society still can't shake off the mentality that women are supposed to be sheltered at home and cook the meal.

Anyway what were you doing when you were 21? Partying hard? Crying over a heartbreak? Gina Iniong, a BS Criminology student from Baguio, at 21 is the first Pinay to reign in the Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) Terror Dome knocking out Heidel with accurate and explosive punches in the first round. In her post-fight interview, she said it had always been a dream to be the first Filipina fighter in the PXC. Well she had already reached that dream and this girl surely still have a very long way to go.

Photos courtesy of PXC

I remember the time both fighters met in the cage, some middle-aged man commented, "Di naman mukhang tomboy!" (They don't look like tomboys). This only shows that most men in this country still thinks that only men will be interested in such a dangerous sport and the only women who will be brave enough to do it are the lesbians.

I believe that this is the start of the journey of women in this male-dominated sport. Soon, more and more women will come out of their comfort zones and fight in the cage. Gone are the days when Filipinas only stay at home, clean the house and watch the kids. Now is the era where women goes out to the word and fight the battles, being the best possible versions of themselves.