MARIANAS FIGHTER RANKINGS

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By Michael Cruz

Marianas Power Rankings: Pound for Pound

The MMA scene is growing rapidly worldwide and fighters from Guam have been making strides in the competition, proving fighters from the island have what it takes to compete with the worlds best. It’s an exciting time for Guam and the CNMI because we have some of most professional athletes in MMA out of any sport.  This list was compiled to see who the top fighters from Guam are, including those on and off island.

Jon Tuck

1. Jon Tuck – Lightweight (7-0) – A late injury kept Guam’s top fighter out against British Smashes winner Norman Parke. This would have been a great showcase since it was on the UFC Fox card. Tuck has been actively training at the MMA Lab (AZ) with the likes of UFC champion Ben Henderson. Hopefully we can see the Super Saiyan in the Octagon this year.

Joe Taimanglo

2. Joe Taimanglo – Featherweight (18-4-1) – Like Tuck, ‘The Juggernaut’ was ready to take his game beyond the PXC. If Tuck has the best jiu jitsu on island, then Baby Joe has the best wrestling. Taimanglo’s Bellator 94 debut submission over Ronnie Rogers was the most impressive finish on the world stage by a Guam fighter. We don’t have to wait too long as his return is Sept 13 in Bellator 99 in the opener of the promotion’s featherweight tournament.

Herman Terrado (courtesy photo)

3. Herman Terrado – Welterweight (11-2) – Terrado was on two Strikeforce cards in 2011 and then was inactive for 15 months. He just recently came back this March. He has won two straight in the Xplode Fight Series in California. Herman has seven wins by KO and four submissions while winning his last seven fights. Terrado’s fighting roots are out of Yona’s GroundFu gym.

Frank Camacho (courtesy photo)

4. Frank Camacho – Lightweight (10-2)-The Crank returns home August 9! His last professional bout was April 2009 highlight KO of Blinky Jones. Still only 24, Camacho expects to bring it against a tough Japanese opponent in front of an anticipating Guam crowd.

Joe Duarte (courtesy photo)

5. Joe Duarte – Lightweight (10-3)  – We have not seen The Hybrid in the ring since his split decision loss to Ryan Couture in Strikeforce. Before that, Duarte won two straight over Jorge Gurgel and Saad Awad in the promotion. Let’s hope this is the not the last we see of him.

Justin Cruz

6. Justin Cruz – Bantamweight (18-5) – The Shocker won four straight before losing his title to the Philippines’ Crisanto Pitpitunge. The Shocker always brings excitement in the cage. How about a rematch PXC at the Field House with the Slugger?

Josh Calvo

7. Josh Calvo – Welterweight (7-3) – The Killa walked right through TUF alumni Johnavan Visante in PXC 36. Calvo will fight Anthony Torres in PXC 38 set for August 9th at the UOG Field House.

Kyle Aguon

8. Kyle Aguon – Bantamweight (5-3) -Aguon gets revenge in his rematch against Trev Jones by applying the better wrestling. How about a third match with Jones to complete the trilogy?  Aguon will face off against Hawaii’s Russell Doane in PXC 38 for the top contender slot.

Trevin Jones

9. Trevin Jones – Bantamweight (5-2) – The new purple belt is back on the winning track with a decision over a dangerous Troy Bantiag in Manila.  Jones spent part of his summer with BJJ mentor Marcelo Nunes in Minnesota.

Roque Martinez

10. Roque Martinez – Heavyweight-(6-4) – The big man returned with an impressive win over Mylo Lassiter before breaking a leg the following day playing football in the MFL. Martinez vs. Fitial 3?

Others Considered:

Jon Delos Reyes, Ryan Bigler, Kyle ‘Boom’ Reyes, Mylo Lassiter

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