Rocco Nacino, known for his acting skills and varied career path, has now stepped into a new role as the Chief Executive Officer of Zeus Combat League (ZCL), a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company. At a contract signing event held at Corte Ibiza in Tomas Morato, Rocco shared his thoughts on taking on this fresh challenge.

“Nandun na ‘yung responsibility of making this work and, of course, there’s risk also for them, e, in having another person as part of the company,” Rocco said. His excitement was clear as he spoke about wanting to make an impact on the company and inspire younger generations to take up training. “Ngayon, I feel motivated in delivering. I want to show the impact that I can give, I want to show my knowledge of the sport, and I want to inspire the young ones to start training, if not to compete.”

The decision to join ZCL wasn’t made lightly. Rocco’s friendship with ZCL President Burns Soriano, a former MMA fighter, was pivotal in bringing him on board. Burns recalled inviting Rocco to be part of the company after their shared history in MMA and jiu-jitsu competitions. “’Bro, baka gusto mong mag-join dito sa Zeus Combat League?’ kako. ‘Magiging perfect ‘yung partnership kapag pinagsama,’” Burns said.

Burns considers Rocco the perfect partner for ZCL due to his background in jiu-jitsu, boxing, and Muay Thai. Rocco, who holds a third-degree brown belt in jiu-jitsu, shared that his love for mixed martial arts began before college as a way to protect himself. “Nag-aral ako ng different fighting systems mainly to protect me. I want to be careful and safe in the streets.”

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As CEO, Rocco plans to bring MMA, particularly jiu-jitsu, to a wider audience across the Philippines. His wife, Melissa Gohing, supports his efforts, and the two are eager to spotlight Filipino talent through ZCL’s platform. Rocco emphasized, “I don’t just want to be a partner. Please make me an active partner. Please don’t put me behind the stage. I want to be there.”

Rocco’s Journey with Mixed Martial Arts

Rocco Nacino is a man of many talents. From acting to nursing, and now a third-degree brown belt in jiu-jitsu, his latest venture sees him becoming the CEO of Zeus Combat League (ZCL). At a recent media event, Rocco spoke candidly about how his passion for martial arts began and why he’s excited to lead ZCL.

Rocco shared that his fascination with mixed martial arts started when he was about to head off to college. “Yung mixed martial arts, pumasok yan noon when I was heading to college. Nagko-commute lang ako eh. Bilang praning na tao, anytime puwedeng may mangyari sa akin. I want to be quick,” he explained. His desire for safety led him to train in jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing, eventually falling in love with jiu-jitsu, a sport that takes the fight to the ground.

Now, as CEO of ZCL, Rocco aims to grow jiu-jitsu’s presence across the country, particularly by helping young Filipinos get involved in the sport. “We want to go around the Philippines to gather talents and bring them into one stage para ipakita natin ang galing ng Pilipino. Hindi lang sa Manila kundi buong Pilipinas talaga,” Rocco said, highlighting his commitment to expanding the sport nationwide.

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He recalled his personal experiences as a martial arts practitioner and not a fighter, being careful to balance his MMA training with his responsibilities as an actor. “Let’s say I’m a practitioner, not a fighter because a fighter is a strong word. Hindi ko rin pwedeng basagin ang mukha ko kasi nasa kontrata ko yan sa GMA Network,” Rocco joked.

McLeary Ornido

ZCL President Burns Soriano, a long-time friend and fellow MMA enthusiast, invited Rocco to join the company after years of bonding over their shared love for the sport. Burns recognized Rocco’s dedication, saying, “Nag boxing siya, nag Muay Thai siya, and nag Jiu-Jitsu siya so madali ‘yung blend.”

Aside from leading ZCL, Rocco has also been teaching jiu-jitsu to kids in his hometown of Antipolo, fostering discipline and humility through martial arts. “I do it in Antipolo… may mga 40 kids na tinuturuan sa jiu-jitsu, paano bumagsak, how to say no when people start to bully them,” Rocco said, noting that this has become a passion project for him.

Rocco’s personal growth through martial arts is evident. “I learned how to go about any kind of problem. I love sports, but I could capitalize a problem and find a way to win. Doon ko siya naa-apply sa buhay ko,” he shared, emphasizing how martial arts has impacted his mental health and approach to life.

With Rocco at the helm, Zeus Combat League is set to bring Filipino martial arts talents into the spotlight, and it’s clear that his passion and dedication will guide this new venture to success.

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