Adding to the increasing visibility of Asian American Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters, Eddie “The Filipino Phenom” Yagin defeated Mark Hominick and won Fight of the Night Honors at UFC 145. Hominick, the former #1 contender in the featherweight division (145 lbs), was favored in the match, and the underdog Yagin won a narrow split decision in the main card. Yagin is a long time veteran of MMA, fighting his first match in 2000.
While I am happy for Eddie Yagin, one complaint I have about some Filipino American fighters is their lack of creativity with fighter nicknames. Yagin is “The Filipino Phenom,” while Mark Munoz is “the Filipino Wrecking machine.” Philippe Nover was the “the Filipino Assassin,” and Del Hawkins is “The Filipino Delight.” I glad that they are representing, but the theme is getting a bit tired. I have to admit, though, I like Yagin’s nickname as it’s alliteration adds appeal.
(photo credit: Jeff Sherwood via sherdog.com)
