Uganda’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Titus Tugume is fired up ahead of his International World Title MMA Championship fight against United States (USA) Louis Catoe to be held at Freedom City on December 15.

Addressing a press conference to launch the intercontinental fight at the Speke Resort Munyonyo on Friday, Warrant Officer-2 Tugume who is attached to the Airforce said his experience will see him past the American.

“As a combat sports fighter I have engaged in many different styles of fighting but I had to switch to the MMA because this is the most popular combat sport in the world and not long ago I fought in the world championship in the Netherlands where I finished second overall,” Tugume said.

“I’m the best in Uganda and I’m ready to fly our flag higher and with the local support, I promise not to disappoint you. We want many other Ugandans to take up this sport and benefit from it because it is the best-selling sport in the world and it is very lucrative,” Tugume stated.

This will be Tugume’s 7th MMA fight with his current record standing at 3-2-1 (three wins, two losses, and one draw). The fighters will engage in five rounds of striking MMA of three minutes each in the fight that will be broadcast live on Urban TV.

He vowed to overcome his opponent who he described as a strong man but noted that he was going to counter his strong tactics to win the fight.

Brigadier General Julius Bagonza the Director of Personnel and Administration who represented the commander of Air Force Charles Okidi said he was confident the Ugandan would not disappoint the general public because he had prepared well for the fight.

“Going by his CV I call upon Ugandans to come and support our own. I also thank President Yoweri Museveni for his visionary leadership that has enabled talents under the forces to be spotted and promoted through their respective chieftaincies of the UPDF,” Bagonza stated.

He hailed the sponsors, coaches, and trainers for ensuring that the fighter was ready for battle.

The fight’s promoter Everest Asiimwe said they were ready to promote MMA and take it to another level in the country before he invited fans to turn up in big numbers.

“Tugume is now a different fighter because he is in his best shape, so I call upon the Ugandans to come and enjoy the fight,” Asiimwe said.

He said there would be several undercards before the main event.

Tugume’s coach Mohammed Mayambala also urged combat sports fans to come and see the different techniques that are combined to make MMA.

New Vision marketing manager Kenneth Oduka said the fight will be broadcast live on Urban TV and that they are also going to give free tickets to the fans ahead of the fight through the Urban TV sports programs every afternoon from Monday to Friday to stand a chance.

“Those in the diaspora will also be able to catch the action through our mobile application ‘Vision Digital Experience’ which they can download on the App Store or IOS. We shall go live at 9 pm until the main fight is done.

“MMA is a big sport so when we were approached by the promoters we took it up; let us support our very own Tugume; and we know he will bring the belt back home,” Oduka stated.

Tugume last fought in Uganda in February against Aaron Crosby before he travelled to the Netherlands to compete in the world championships.

MMA is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling, and ground fighting incorporating techniques from various combat sports like kickboxing, karate, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, and judo, among others.