Mark Striegl

Shunichi Shimizu

Previously known as the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), URCC Global will hold its first event in 2019 at the Cove Manila of Okada Manila at New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 27, 2019. Titled “URCC Global: Raw Fury,” it will feature the first title defense of reigning URCC Global Featherweight Champion Mark “Mugen” Striegl, 30, of Baguio City, Philippines.

Set to challenge Striegl at “URCC Global: Raw Fury” is mixed martial arts veteran Shunichi “Rolling Star” Shimizu, 34, of Kuchinoerabu, Japan. The challenger has been competing professionally since 2005 and he is riding a four-bout losing streak.

“Experience is definitely an advantage but I don’t think it gives him an edge against me,” Shimizu said in a statement released by URCC Global. “I’ve also had a lot of professional bouts and many amateur fights before I even turned pro.”

Currently, Shimizu holds a professional MMA record of 32 wins, 22 losses, 11 draws and 1 No Contest. On the other hand, Striegl has 18 wins and 2 losses.

Striegl became the new URCC Global Featherweight Champion on September 29, 2018. He dethroned former champion Do Gyeom “The Undead” Lee, 27, of South Korea in the main event of “URCC: Colossal” at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

The championship bout between Striegl and Lee at “URCC: Colossal” ended after 2 minutes and 44 seconds in the first round. The challenger submitted the defending champion via standing guillotine choke.

Competing professionally since 2009, Striegl is riding a four-bout winning streak. “URCC Global: Raw Fury” marks his sixth outing in the Philippines-based MMA promotion.

Also confirmed to compete at “URCC Global: Raw Fury” URCC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Chris Hofmann, 29, of the Philippines. He will be challenged by Musa Conteh of the United States.

Meanwhile, here is a short interview with Striegl back in 2017: