DevCom Student to Compete in MMA Tournament in Africa

An incoming second-year Development Communication student at Bukidnon State University is set to compete in an international mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, on June 29, 2024.

Twenty-five-year-old Mary Jane Buna, known as “The Bukidnon Fighter,” has been chosen as one of the two Philippine representatives for the IMPACT Championship 3. She is slated for a head-to-head match with Nigerian fighter Juliet Ukah.

“It is always an honor to represent the Philippines in international MMA competitions,” Buna said. “Train like a beast, fight like a warrior, and win with honor.”

Buna has been an MMA fighter for six years and holds a record of four wins and three losses. She has competed in various international tournaments, including WOTD in Taiwan, HEX Fight Series in Australia, and Wollongong Warriors in Sydney, Australia.

Her extensive training includes stints at various gyms across the Philippines, including Cavite, Makati City, and South Cotabato. Currently, she is an MMA Trainer at UpperRoom Fitness Gym and Outcast Fight Camp in Malaybalay City.

“I have prepared rigorously for the IMPACT Championship 3, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional conditioning. I have undergone extensive strength and conditioning training to ensure I am at my peak performance for the competition,” she said.

The IMPACT Championship 3 brings together 22 MMA fighters from Congo, Egypt, the Philippines, Nigeria, France, and Senegal. Buna will compete alongside fellow Filipino fighter Marvin Relano Malunes in the male category. ( Lovely May Ejem, DXBU Staff)