Filipino John Almanza clashes with Indian foe in Road to UFC

MANILA, Philippines – When you look at John Dave Almanza, you’d think that this guy was just plucked out of his college classroom to do an assignment in mixed martial arts, and has no place being inside or anywhere near an Octagon for he is meek and mild. 

Somewhat true enough, Almanza, a Catanduanes native, is only 20 years old. And while young, he is undefeated at 6-0 heading into Road to the UFC Season 3.

Road to UFC Season 3, the hugely successful “win and advance” tournament, takes top MMA prospects from Asia and gives them a pathway to a UFC contract. In the opening round, 32 mixed martial arts athletes will be competing in each of four weight classes, and four non-tournament bouts will be included to provide more opportunities to showcase up-and-comers.

The caveat for Almanza is he has only beaten local opposition. Now comes the true test — his first international foray, and it is the opportunity of a lifetime. To earn a UFC contract.

“Napapanood ko lang si Conor McGregor sa UFC,” Almanza softly said.  

“Ang UFC ang pangarap ng lahat ng fighter kabilang ako. Nagbunga naman ang ginagawa ko so far,” he said during an interview in Shanghai, China, the site of Road to the UFC.

He will do so with his father, Rodel, who is flying all the way from the Philippines, in attendance.

 “Siya (his father) nag-udyok sa akin mag-MMA. Nag-enjoy naman ako at so far — swerte.”

And being in the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai has left Almanza breathless.

The only thing he can say while shaking his head in appreciation is — “Sobrang first class ng UFC.”

Almanza will take on a fighter slightly more experienced than him — India’s Angad Bisht, who totes a 9-2-0 record. However, like himself, this will be Bisht’s first international exposure. 

So at least that leaves both on even ground.

“Napanood ko yung Season 2 ng Road to the UFC,” shared Almanza. “Magagaling mga fighter natin pero kulang talaga sa exposure.” He knows that can also be said for him which is why he will do his best.

“Dalawa lang ang pwede mangyari (come Sunday, May 19) — either ma-knockout ko siya o ma-submit ko siya.”

For now, Almanza is focused on the task. One round, one fight at a time. He has been