CEBU CITY, Philippines — Renan “Flash” Noblefranca reminded Cebu’s combat-sports scene why he remains one of its most respected strikers, defeating 2024 National Muay Thai gold medalist Jhan Villegas in the main event of the Cebu Fighting Championship’s “Kumbati Na! Return of the Warriors.”
The highly anticipated clash took place Saturday, September 5, at the Barangay Day-as Multipurpose Complex in Cebu City, marking the long-awaited return of the Cebu Fighting Championship after an eight-year hiatus.
Noblefranca’s victory came against a younger and highly credentialed opponent in Villegas, who entered the bout as a 2024 National Muay Thai Championships gold medalist. The matchup had been billed as a major test for the veteran Cebuano fighter, particularly against one of the country’s emerging striking talents.
The veteran “Flash” had already established a reputation in Cebu’s Muay Thai and kickboxing circles for his speed, sharp striking and ability to finish fights quickly. Promoter and Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu founder Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga Jr. had described the matchup as a classic striking battle because of Villegas’ national credentials and Noblefranca’s experience.
A major night for Cebu combat sports
Beyond the headline victory, the event represented something bigger for Cebu’s fight community.
Caniga revived the Cebu Fighting Championship after an eight-year break, saying he wanted to help bring regular MMA and combat-sports events back to the province.
The comeback card, officially titled “Kumbati Na! Return of the Warriors,” featured a packed program consisting of 10 amateur MMA bouts, five kickboxing matches and five Muay Thai fights. Several athletes representing Cebu and neighboring areas were also included on the card.
The event was supported by the Barangay Day-as Council under Barangay Captain Freddie Esmas, with the multipurpose complex serving as the venue for the promotion.
Caniga, who has previously organized the Cebu Fighting Championship, “Ground and Pound,” and the Cebu Extreme Fight League professional MMA series, said the lack of major MMA activity in Cebu inspired him to bring the promotion back.
Noblefranca faces another generation of Cebu strikers
The Noblefranca-Villegas matchup carried additional significance because it placed an established veteran against a younger fighter who had already captured a national Muay Thai title.
Villegas, representing South Bag Boxing Gym in Dumaguete City, arrived with the credentials of a national champion, while Noblefranca represented Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu.
The contrast made the bout one of the most anticipated fights on the comeback card: experience and established local reputation on one side, youth and recent national success on the other.
Fabular, Pacible and other fighters also see action
The event also featured a strong MMA lineup.
Undefeated 18-year-old Owen Fabular was scheduled to face 22-year-old Janc Clark Barbaso in one of the featured MMA bouts. Fabular entered with a 2-0 record, while Barbaso carried a 4-1 slate.
Another featured matchup pitted Mandaue City’s Zen Pacible against undefeated Trister Yasay. Pacible entered with a 2-1 record, while Yasay had a 3-0 record.
Alex Mabaquiao Jr. also faced Div Boja in an amateur MMA matchup.
The broader card included fighters from Cebu, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, underscoring the event’s role as a regional platform for developing combat-sports talent.
More than a comeback
Noblefranca’s victory gave the revived Cebu Fighting Championship a headline moment, but the bigger story may be the return of a regular combat-sports platform to Cebu.
For Caniga, the goal is not simply to stage one event. He hopes the revival will become the first step toward bringing more consistent MMA and striking competitions back to the province.
After eight years away, Cebu’s fight scene once again had a major stage — and Noblefranca made sure the comeback began with a statement.
The question now is whether the return of the Cebu Fighting Championship will lead to a new generation of fighters emerging from the local scene.
For Cebu’s combat-sports fans, that may be the fight worth watching next.
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