Photo: ZEUS Fight

By Miguel Palaban

Kerwin Tan wasted no time addressing recent remarks made by Jayson Miralpez as their championship encounter draws closer.

The two are slated to face each other for the vacant Zeus Fight League bantamweight crown in the headline bout of ZFL 4: Reign of Kings on May 29 at the SM Southmall Events Hall in Las Piñas.

Despite the fight still weeks away, tensions have already surfaced between the camps.

Miralpez recently issued a strong statement aimed at Tan, saying, “There are acts of disrespect that cannot be ignored. There is arrogance that needs to be put to an end.”

The tension stems from a previous situation involving Warriors MMA Academy, where Miralpez trains.

Tan had been scheduled to challenge Jake Bron, Miralpez’s teammate at Warriors MMA Academy, for the flyweight title this past January

However, the match was called off after Tan exceeded the weight allowance by 0.1 pounds.

Efforts to proceed did not materialize, leading to a heated exchange between both teams.

Tan, who has built a reputation for his confidence, responded with his own message.

“You should be excited, I just gave your team another big opportunity,” he said.

The unbeaten fighter holds a 3-0 record, finishing all his opponents inside the distance.

Tan’s performances have positioned him among the emerging talents in Philippine mixed martial arts.

Looking ahead to their meeting, Tan made it clear that he plans to deliver another decisive showing.

“Those who know me understand what I'm capable of. I only respect those who earn it. This will be a no-mercy fight,” he stated.