(CNN Philippines) — Filipino mixed martial artist Mark Eddiva failed to deliver a Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) victory in front of his hometown.
Eddiva lost to Levan Makashvili by split decision during UFC Fight Night Manila on Saturday evening (May 16) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 5-foot-8 Wushu specialist thought he was ahead in terms of points especially in the first two rounds, but he was surprised when the judges’ score cards were read.
“At some point, especially the first two rounds, alam ko talaga lamang ako doon,” Eddiva said moments after the bout.
“Pero nung third round, alam ko lamang siya sa wrestling. Kaya ang alam ko ako pa rin ang nanalo kasi ang alam ko I won the first two rounds.”
The judges scored the match 29-28, 28-29, 30-27, with only the second jury scoring in his favor.
Facing a superb wrestler, the fighting pride of Baguio was focused on disabling the legs of his counterpart to prevent a takedown contest.
“The game plan was to kill his legs so he can’t wrestle, it weakens his wrestling. That’s why I kept on kicking his legs.”
Eddiva’s latest loss will serve as an experience to hone his skills more.
“The split decision (loss) gave me a lesson to really improve my wrestling and my defense.”
