Filipinos come from a long line of fierce warriors, dating back to the early conquests of Lapu Lapu, Diego Silang and Andres Bonifacio. Iconic heroes of olden times dominate the history books, but today, warriors like Filipino-American Phillipe "Super" Nover now captivate the hearts and minds of fight sports fans in the country.
"It's in our blood to be fighters," Nover told this writer in a previous interview.
Nover, who also goes by the nickname "The Filipino Assassin", was previously a lightweight finalist who participated in the Ultimate Fighter Finale in 2008.
He defeated Joe Duarte and David Kaplan by Rear Naked Choke in subsequent bouts, after which he submitted George Roop in the semi-finals with a Kimura. Though Nover lost by unanimous decision in the finals to Efrain Escudero, he had most definitely impressed.
UFC President Dana White mentioned that Nover reminded him of a young Georges St. Pierre. Nover also referred to himself as the toughest registered nurse on the planet, of which is his profession in his native New York.
Now, Nover stands at 11 wins and five losses, and is a winner of his last four bouts.
His next bout is scheduled for Thursday, December 10 at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nevada and is part of the UFC Fight Night 80 card. Nover will take on Zubaira Tukhugov (17-3) in a three round featherweight bout.
Though he has enjoyed success in the United States, this modern day ass-kicker slash mixed martial artist likes to visit friends and family in the Philippines from time to time.
"I have so much family in the Philippines that it's nearly impossible to see everyone on my vacation here," he said, excited to be spending time with his loved ones.
"I'm actually half-Filipino by blood. My mother is from Quezon City and my father is American with Polish heritage," explained Nover.
"My mom is the youngest of seven siblings, each of which have their own children and their own children's children. It's a huge family."
Despite growing up abroad and spending the majority of his life in east coast United States, Nover hasn't lost touch of what it means to be truly Filipino.
"I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York but went to the Philippines often as a child and teenager for months at a time on my summers off from school. I really grew up in the culture since I was small," he said.
"My favorite Filipino food has to be Bulalo. It's pretty healthy if you don't eat a ton of rice with it. I love meaty, hearty stews."
Nover, who is one of the first Filipinos to be successful in MMA, is, like everyone else, mesmerized by the quick growth of the sport in the Philippines and across Asia.
With promotions like ONE Championship dominating the fight sports scene in Asia, and local promotions like the URCC continuing to develop talent on a grassroots level, things are looking good for Philippine MMA.
"My advice for some up and coming Filipino MMA fighters is to train smart," said the experienced combatant. "Perfect technique is the most important thing to take you to that next level."