The Father of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the Philippines and founder of Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) Alvin Aguilar announced that he is keen on bringing the URCC and its fighters to the United States most likely next year.

“Our goal from the very beginning is to showcase Filipino MMA fighters to the world. We have been tops here in Asia, so that by next year, we’ll try to bring Filipino fighters to the U.S. There are many Filipino fighters who want to compete in the UFC,” Aguilar told reporters during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at Shakey’s Malate in Manila.

Aguilar believes that the move could pave the way for Filipino MMA fighters who want to join the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), “If we bring them to the US, I’m hopeful there’s a chance for them to compete in the UFC,” he said.

To mark its 10th year anniversary, the URCC will hold the 22nd edition of the tourney on December 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena featuring top fighters Eduard Folayang and Eric Kelly facing separate foes.

“We’re now on its 10th year and the URCC has established itself as the first and biggest MMA promotion not only in the Philippines, but in the whole of Asia,” said Aguilar. “When we began 10 years ago, nobody believed in us.”

This year, according to Aguilar, URCC has already staged seven events in different areas in the Philippines including Cebu, Davao and Bacolod.

“Basically, they’ve copied what we were doing,” said Aguilar pertaining to the influx of new MMA competitions in the country.

“But what’s good with us is that we don’t give away tickets just to sell out. The fans are with us, and the people are supporting us.”