PROMISING Cebuano mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Allan Albindo had an impressive return to the cage with a second round rear-naked choke submission of Christian Paul Laurio in Philippine Encuentro Championship 7 last May 7, 2022, at the Catalan Fighting System Gym in Makati City.Albindo took down Laurio with a double-leg takedown. He controlled Laurio with a full mount and was about to unleash some vicious ground-and-pound. Laurio decided to turn around and give his back to Albindo. The Argao native, however, quickly grabbed the chance and sank in a rear-naked choke, forcing Laurio to tap out.“My last fight was on Dec. 4, 2019. I was so excited when I was offered this fight. I was encouraged when I learned that I was fighting a former Philippine Muay Thai fighter. We prepared really hard for this fight and our game plan was successful,” Albindo told SunStar Cebu.The 25-year-old Albindo, who fights out of the Survival MMA Fitness Hub along with fellow ONE Championship fighter Roel Rosauro, has been sidelined for more than two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. His last fight was a split decision loss to Toreq Toreq in ONE Championship’s developmental league, ONE Warrior Series, in Singapore.Albindo fought his last three fights in the ONE Warrior Series.Albindo wants to focus on improving his craft here in the Philippines first before attempting to fight again overseas.“I want to build my record here in the local scene because my record is already messed up,” said Albindo. “I really want to go back fighting abroad. That’s why I really need to improve my record and gain more experience.”Albindo improved to 2-2, while Laurio dropped to 2-2.