Cebuano fighter Renante "Flash" Noblefranca delivered a spectacular performance at the Urban Gladiators Fight League: "Turf Wars" event, defeating John Ver Espra via first-round stoppage. The match concluded at just 1:30 of the opening round after Espra could no longer continue due to a severe leg injury.
Dominant Victory at IEC Convention Center
The weekend event at IEC Convention Center in Cebu City witnessed Noblefranca's impressive striking display. From the opening bell, the Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu fighter immediately targeted Espra's legs with powerful kicks that quickly compromised his opponent's mobility.
Noblefranca mixed his attack effectively, alternating between brutal leg kicks and high-impact techniques including spinning back kicks and roundhouse kicks to the head. The strategic combination of high and low attacks left Espra unable to mount an effective defense.
Career Revival and Future Plans
According to Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu CEO and founder Master Benigno "Ekin" Caniga Jr., the match ended prematurely due to the damage sustained by Espra. "It was shaping up to be a good fight between Flash and John Ver, but John Ver surrendered due to a knee injury," Caniga stated.
The victory continues Noblefranca's career resurgence this year, building on several previous wins that have repositioned him as one of Cebu's most formidable strikers. Caniga revealed immediate plans for the fighter's continued ascent, noting a January event at Waterfront Cebu organized by a Korean promoter where Noblefranca will likely compete.
Path to ONE Championship
Most significantly, Caniga confirmed that arrangements are being made to bring Noblefranca to ONE Championship, potentially fulfilling the fighter's long-standing ambition. "It's been a dream of his to fight in the ONE Championship," Caniga emphasized, highlighting the importance of this potential career milestone.
Noblefranca, once considered among the best strikers in Cebu and a dominant force in the local kickboxing scene within his weight class, appears poised for international recognition if these plans materialize in the coming year.
