How Onassis Parungao became the first Filipino fighter in UFC

The emergence of Mixed Martial Arts in the Philippines has hit the mainstream with multiple fighters gaining substantial triumph in the past few years. Names like Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Geje Eustaquio have found success in One Championship, while the likes of Brandon Vera and Mark Munoz have had the chance to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. But before these prominent names, there was a fighter that first represented the Pinoys in the biggest stage of MMA. Back in 1995, Onassis Parungao became the first Filipino to fight in the UFC octagon.

On “The Hit List”, Parungao shared his experience on the highest level and thoughts on some of our best bets in the country.

It was a time when UFC wasn’t “mainstream popular” yet and enforced different rules. But that didn’t stop him from taking his chance to compete. In fact, he welcomed the challenge. “I was watching it. Back then, because of the rules: no weight classes, no gloves. I got into a lot of street fights being a Navy kid. I want to get out and I want to do it and then I realize ‘hey maybe I can try that’. To tell you the truth, I knew that there wasn’t a Filipino guy there. So I was banking on that they would let me in there. All the stars aligned and it just worked.“ Parungao said, describing how he managed to get booked in the fight. He was chosen out of hundreds of candidates because of his martial arts background and nationality.

“UFC 7: The Brawl in Buffalo” was historic for a couple of reasons. Aside from having its first fighter with Filipino heritage, it was also the organization’s first event in the state of New York. It bannered an eight-man tournament and a championship bout between then UFC champion Ken Shamrock and UFC 6 winner Oleg Taktarov. Parungao was part of three alternate bouts that were not aired on television.

That night, he was introduced as a Filipino Kung Fu fighter; and he made sure everybody knew where he was from. He donned a white shirt that had “Philippines” scribbled across its back. “You noticed that a lot of guys didn’t even wear a shirt. I purposely wore a shirt that night.” He said.

His opponent was an American named Francesco “Fang” Maturi, a dangerous, albeit unknown, fighter who was also making his debut. They were slated to engage in a 20-minute brawl. It didn’t last that long, though. Parungao took him down almost immediately and put him away with some ground-and-pound action. He forced Maturi to tap at the 5:46 mark of the match, registering the first Filipino win in a UFC stage.

Still on a high after his momentous win, he flew to Moscow, Russia a couple of months later to participate in the inaugural event of Absolute Fighting Championship. He got off the right foot by securing a win in his first match, but fell in his next one against eventual champion Ricardo Morais. It would mark the end not just of his trip, but of his professional run as a whole.

Before officially calling it a career, he revealed that he was offered a contract by Pancrase, a Japan-based MMA promotion company. “I just got married and there’s this guy named Takeya Oitate. The guy was offering me money to come to fight.” He recalled. But ultimately chose to turn it down and spend more time with his family.

It was an abrupt end that came with its should’ves, would’ves, and could’ves. When asked if he had any regrets with his decision, he had an immediate reponse: “I do. Thanks for asking that. I’m 50 now, but I feel really strong. I mean, put me against another 50-year-old and that would be fair.” He said. His love for the sport didn’t die. Decades after his stint, he still teaches martial arts and grinds in the gym with other fighters. “I was a fighter first, and then my sifu for Chinese martial arts turned me into a martial artist. It just turned me into someone that didn’t need to prove it as much. But I do have regrets like I feel like I could. I’ve never stopped training. I still go to the gym and spar and roll with guys. Just like mixed martial arts has evolved and improved, so have I.”

MMA in the country has amassed quite a following in the past decade. Fans continue to fill up big stadiums, waiting to see their favorites in action. Admittedly, Parungao is part of this phenomenon as well. During his spare time, Parungao makes it a point to catch professional fights; including the ones that feature our local talent. He had high praises for familiar names like Eduard Folayang and Rolando Dy, but it was a female fighter whom he connected with the most. “Of course I like Edward. Can I talk about Gina (Iniong)? I’m gonna gravitate towards Gina ‘cause she was a Wushu champion. Her history was she did some Chinese martial arts. You look at her legs and her footwork she’s got there. Is she with Team Lakay? I like what they’re (Team Lakay) doing to her. Those guys are experts and they’re awesome. I’d like to salute those coaches.” He said. He had nothing but respect for the people who continue to carry the torch and represent the Philippines in the international scene. “Respect to all those guys. I know what it’s like to get in the ring. Any of those guys who have gotten in the ring, they’ve got my respect.“