World Champion Muay Thai fighter Michael Mananquil to make his MMA pro debut

(PRESS RELEASE) -- World Champion Muay Thai fighter Michael Mananquil to make his MMA pro debut at Cage Combat FC’s “RUSH” on Saturday July 18th at Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco. WBC and ISKA Muay Thai Welterweight Champion (17-1-1 9KO’s) to make his long awaited MMA pro debut says promoter Todd Middendorp. “I was at World Team USA signing Ky Hollenbeck’s contract with owner and head instructor Kru Sam, and he offered me Mananquil for my July 18th card. Well knowing Michael’s background and following it was a no brainer” Michael has been sought after many leading MMA organizations to make his pro-debut on their shows. Being a Bay Area native and training in SF at World Team USA, it was a natural fit that he makes his pro-debut in SF. “I have always had great respect and admiration for Kru Sam and World Team USA, so I’m very proud of the fact that Kru asked me to promote Michael’s first MMA fight”, says Middendorp.

Michael has trained with Kru Sam and World Team USA since he was 15yrs old. He holds multiple World titles in Muay Thai and has fought all over the World. He is scheduled to travel to China again in August and compete again in Muay Thai. Michael will be facing fellow Bay Area native Mickey Gonzalez from San Jose in his pro-debut. Mickey has been training in traditional Vietnamese martial art for 3 yrs at Bao Truien Martial Arts.

Also added to the card is a Middleweight fight between two fighters representing two UFC legends . Pro boxer Thomas Gaines (5-5) makes his pro debut against Davin Clark (2-1). Gaines is trained by a one of the pioneers in MMA, Jerry Bohlander. Bohlander won the very 1st UFC Lightweight tournament (Under 200lbs) at UFC 13 and became an instant legend with his submission victory over Scott Ferrozzo at UFC 8 “David vs. Goliath”. Bohlander’s student will be taking on Clark from American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose. Clark has been training with another MMA pioneer and legend, “Crazy” Bob Cook. Cook has long been a trainer of some of the top MMA fighter’s in the World at AKA. Cook competed in the UFC during the same era as Bohlander, and only an eye injury prevented Cook from becoming a champion in the UFC.

Tickets are on sale now can be purchased online at www.virtualboxoffice.com or at the door. Prices range from $150 for VIP seats to $50 for General Admission. 12 scheduled bouts with 2 title fights round out the card; for more information go to www.cagecomabtfc.com. Kezar Pavilion is located at 755 Stanyan St SF, Ca at the north entrance to Golden Gate Park. Doors open at 6pm with fights starting at 7pm.