Macababayao to face again Latonio after 4 years in Slugfest

BATANG Pinoy Palawan 2024 Muaythai gold medalist Jhon Mark "Hard Ball" Macababayao will have a rematch with Philip Latonio of Malita, Davao del Sur after four years in the 4th Gov. RST Mixed Martial Arts Slugfest on July 3, Friday at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center in Koronadal City.

Macababayao was only just 15 years old when he beat Latonio, 19 in his debut at the Resbak 2 Red Palm Amateur MMA in 2022 in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

Macababayao, now 18, is an “adopted son” of Coach James Louie Larroza of Observe MMA Fight Club of Davao del Norte.

“I'm super excited because after four years, I got a rematch in MMA,” said Macababayao, who started training with Observe MMA in 2021.

In his last fight, Macababayao outslugged Charles Matthew Marquez to win the gold in the Muaythai Association of the Philippines Regional Mindanao Leg 2026 (Gensan) in the Elite Category.

Macababayao earlier crushed Kevin Arcasitas of RFKS via a Rear Naked Choke in the second round of the 3rd Gov. RST Mixed Martial Arts Slugfest 2025.

Macababayao’s other achievements:

- Muaythai Association of the Philippines Regional Mindanao Leg 2022 - Bronze Medalist (Gensan)

- Muaythai Association of the Philippines 2022 National Tournament - Gold Medalist (Subic Bay, Zambales)

- Muaythai Association of the Philippines Regional Mindanao Leg 2023 - Silver Medalist (Gensan)

- DepEd Division Meet 2023 Wushu Sanda - Gold Medalist (DavNor Sports Complex)

- DepEd DAVRAA Meet 2023 Wushu Sanda - Silver Medalist (Tagum City)

- Mindanao Fighting Championship Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Champion 2023 (Davao City)

- Batang Pinoy 2023 Muaythai Tournament - Silver Medalist (Manila)

- DepEd Division Meet 2024 Wushu Sanda - Silver Medalist (DavNor Sports Complex)

- DepEd DAVRAA 2024 Wushu Sanda - Silver Medalist (Davao City)

- BUFC Mixed Martial Arts Tournament 2024 (Muaythai) - Winner (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon)

- Bakbakan sa Davao (Muaythai) 2024 - Champion/Winner (Davao City)

It is free admission and will start at 5 pm.

Board Member Junneth Ines Hurtado is the tournament director while matchmaker is Jenery Quiñonero.