By Dan Paulo Errazo Philippine martial arts veteran Rene “D’Challenger” Catalan of Iloilo has long felt that he is a suitable challenger for the ONE Strawweight World Title. Despite a rocky start in his ONE Championship career, the 40-year-old wushu world champion has put together a nifty five-bout win streak and is knocking on the […]
Philippine martial arts veteran Rene “D’Challenger” Catalan of Iloilo has long felt that he is a suitable challenger for the ONE Strawweight World Title. Despite a rocky start in his ONE Championship career, the 40-year-old wushu world champion has put together a nifty five-bout win streak and is knocking on the door of a World Title shot.
But the Manila-based martial arts veteran has yet to receive that call.
Instead, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of Baguio City will defend his title against Japanese stalwart Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta in the headline bout of ONE: Eternal Glory on 19 January. The blockbuster event emanating from the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia is ONE’s first show in 2019.
Top strawweight contender Hayato Suzuki was Pacio’s original opponent, but due to injury, Saruta had to step in and take his place. Although Catalan respects the promotion’s decision to bypass him for a title shot, “D’Challenger” feels he is still right up there among the top in his division.
“I think my previous performances can vouch for my position as a contender for the belt. I scored five-straight victories against top-tier opponents, which qualifies me to be a title contender,” Catalan said.
Catalan has trampled some of the biggest names in his division, including Indonesians Adrian Matheis and Stefer Rahardian. But it was his performance against China’s Peng Xue Wen which really sent a message. Catalan dominated the scrambles and won via thrilling ground-and-pound TKO in the second round.
Despite being currently one of the hottest properties at strawweight, Catalan says he will remain patient in waiting for a shot at ONE Championship glory.
“I respect (the promotion’s) decision for choosing Yosuke Saruta. Of course, there is a reason behind it. I accept it wholeheartedly. It’s not my time yet,” he said. “I am patiently waiting. I know (my time) will come.”
Though Catalan’s next bout may not be for a title, he believes that every victory will certainly inch him closer and through patience and hard work, his time will come soon enough.
“My goal is to keep on winning until my time to compete for the title comes,” he stressed. “This kind of situation motivates me more. I expect big and favorable things to happen this 2019.”
Singaporean ONE Championship superstar “Mighty” May Ooi has risen through the ranks in various sports, and she uses her position for the good. Ooi is fond of guiding the next generation of young athletes, who look to her as a source of inspiration. Ooi is a diamond in the rough when it comes to commitment […]
Singaporean ONE Championship superstar “Mighty” May Ooi has risen through the ranks in various sports, and she uses her position for the good. Ooi is fond of guiding the next generation of young athletes, who look to her as a source of inspiration.
Ooi is a diamond in the rough when it comes to commitment and hard-work. Achieving and maintaining international success has become second nature to the veteran sportswoman.
She represented Singapore as a swimmer in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and again at the 2018 Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia in jiu-jitsu. She has since established a noteworthy career in mixed martial arts where she competes in honor of her late fiance who died in a motorcycle accident back in December 2016.
“His death was really sudden, and even as we speak, I am dealing with it,” Ooi says. “He was a big part of my life, and he was the one who groomed me for the longest time. And when he was still alive, he always talked about me competing with ONE.”
Her fiance’s passing lit a beacon of hope for Ooi, as she now not only strives to be the best in her field but also a guiding light for the youth. When Ooi is not competing in the mixed martial arts arena, she manages a Capoeira studio where she teaches aspiring athletes.
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that can be described as ‘dance fighting’ due to its flashy techniques and unmistakable flow.
Being a ONE Championship athlete who promotes the values and importance of martial arts in our daily lives, May felt the need to pass on her passion and wisdom to everyone.
“I am constantly studying and trying to figure out how to help (kids) or who I can direct them to for assistance, so it came naturally to me when I was giving a talk to the kids,” she reveals.
“I wanted them to know that there are many ways you can be successful, and the important thing is to break through your mental barriers, strive for more, and be the best you can be.”
“Mighty” May’s main goal is to pass on the torch to the next generation by sharing her experiences. But at the end of the day, these little acts of empowerment causes the fire in her to burn brighter.
“Kids have an innocence and authenticity that keeps me grounded,” she says.
“As a sportsperson and public figure, I think that is important – especially if I am going to be leading others.”
The Singapore native not only visits schools to spread and teach martial arts, but also gives inspirational talks, even to huge businesses and organizations. One of her most memorable events was when she was invited to be a keynote speaker at the South East Asian Women & Sports Seminar where she talked about “Overcoming Obstacles”.
“Family expectations and social pressure are invisible obstacles that infect people with negativity and self-doubt in small doses. Invisible, Silent & Deadly. Like Cancer. These obstacles have killed many people’s dreams & ideas in their infancy,” Ooi posted on her Facebook page.
As such, Ooi takes every opportunity as a blessing and a privilege. She has high hopes for the next generation of athletes to emerge from the Lion City.
“I was privileged enough to be able to go behind the scenes and witness things at a grassroots level,” she explains.
“It was eye-opening. They are doing all the right things, and if in 10 years’ time they dominate Southeast Asian sports, I will not be the least bit surprised.”
With a 4-2 professional record, Ooi is more focused to improve herself as a mixed martial artist so she can inspire others to achieve their goals as she does the same.
Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon’s victory over Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes at ONE: HEART OF THE LION last November showed the fruits of his labor over the past two years. Belingon challenged Fernandes for the undisputed ONE Bantamweight World Championship last November, and he claimed victory over his rival with a masterful performance. Belingon may have […]
Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon’s victory over Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes at ONE: HEART OF THE LION last November showed the fruits of his labor over the past two years. Belingon challenged Fernandes for the undisputed ONE Bantamweight World Championship last November, and he claimed victory over his rival with a masterful performance.
Belingon may have given fans unforgettable displays of his skills throughout his career, but his rematch with the most dominant World Champion in ONE Championship history showcased his overall improvement over the past year.
“The Silencer” tapped out to a wrenching Kimura from Belingon when they first met in January 2016. After the loss, Belingon promised to seek redemption and earn himself another shot at glory.
“I had worked so hard since my first loss to Bibiano [Fernandes] two years ago,” he explains.
“I beat myself up so hard after that setback. I had the title within my grasp and I completely folded. I was embarrassed and absolutely humbled, but they say we learn more in defeat than we do in victory. That loss was the turning point in my career.”
Due to the skill gap, Belingon quickly realized within the first few minutes of their first match that he was being outclassed by the Brazilian.
“I realized just how big of a skill disparity there was between us,” Belingon adds.
“He was every bit of the grappling wizard they said he was. And I was also shocked at how strong he was as well. There was no way I was going to get back up after being taken down.”
The Ifugao native hit the restart button and continued training with Team Lakay Head Coach Mark Sangiao overseeing his development. Ultimately, the loss showed Belingon where he needed to focus and taught him more lessons in defeat than in victory.
“I trained very hard to improve my grappling defense,” he says.
“That was the main focus as soon as I stepped out of that cage. From then on, the goal was to get the rematch and not let anybody get in my way. I was laser focused and on a mission.”
The Filipino then started his climb by facing a series of top contenders. He trained continuously for eight months, and was able to earn an impressive unanimous decision against Muin Gafurov. Belingon followed up that win with TKO of BJJ specialist Toni Tauru. Next, Belingon took on Filipino-Australian stalwart Reece McLaren, who is also a BJJ black belt, and scored a thrilling first-round knockout.
Kevin Chung was able to survive Belingon’s trademark power, surviving to a decision, but that was only because the South Korean played it safe. Belingon was back to his destructive ways against American Andrew Leone, authoring one of the best spinning back kicks in his career to win by knockout.
But the win that earned Belingon another shot at Fernandes was his victory over two-division ONE World Champion Martin Nguyen. Although Belingon was unable to finish Nguyen, it was certainly one of his best performances to date. It set up the rematch with Fernandes that Belingon craved.
“When they officially announced the fight, I was immediately excited,” Belingon says.
“I knew my opportunity had finally arrived, so my team and I put our heads together and we were able to come up with a brilliant game plan. We executed it to perfection.”
“The Flash” still owned the advantage over the Filipino in grappling. But this time, it was harder for him to execute due to Belingon’s improved defense. The Ifugao native then showed his much improved grappling skills in escaping and countering with his strikes.
“I knew to go into the match that I was confident in grappling with him,” Belingon said.
“I may not be a black belt in jiu-jitsu, and I may not have the best grappling offense, but my defense was surely on point. I knew if he took me down, I could get back up, and that was amazing for my confidence.”
And that strategy worked.
For the rest of the match, “The Silencer” gave everything he had, tagging Fernandes with thunderous combinations, stinging counter-attacks, or his vaunted right hand that knocked the Brazilian on the canvas at the end of the fourth round.
When the final bell rang, Belingon wore the ONE Championship belt around his waist, winning by a hairline split decision. With arms raised in the air, he was finally victorious against ONE’s greatest World Champion.
“I thought to myself, I did it. I beat Bibiano Fernandes,” Belingon said.
“I know the battles I have yet to go through to keep this title will be some of the most difficult and trying in my career, but there’s no better feeling than winning the title for the first time.”
After years of hard work, Belingon finally was the undisputed ONE Bantamweight World Champion.
“I’m just enjoying my time as a champion, and so far it has been amazing. It’s been an incredible year for me,” Belingon concluded.
It was indeed a match to remember where both athletes gave their all and had the fans at the edge of their seats.
ONE Championship saw an influx of talent across every discipline under the promotion’s umbrella. It was tough nailing down the most impacting first impressions for the ONE audience, but the following six made an immediate splash with the largest martial arts organization in the world. Jihin Radzuan Don’t let the innocent and youthful face fool […]
ONE Championship saw an influx of talent across every discipline under the promotion’s umbrella. It was tough nailing down the most impacting first impressions for the ONE audience, but the following six made an immediate splash with the largest martial arts organization in the world.
Jihin Radzuan
Don’t let the innocent and youthful face fool you; The Shadow Cat is a warrior.
The 20-year-old Malaysian prospect hit the ground running in 2018 with ONE. She competed three times for the promotion, with the first bout taking place in March at ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY against Puja Tomar. Radzuan used her suffocating top game and overall grappling prowess to secure a second-round submission win via triangle choke.
Radzuan would go on to win two more times to finish the year and she has positioned herself to be a title contender in the women’s atomweight division in 2019. That’s not a bad list of accomplishments for someone yet to reach the age of 21.
Petchdam Kaiyanghadao
Looking for the world’s next great Muay Thai prodigy? Look no further than Petchdam. Perhaps no martial artist in the organization made a more destructive impact upon arrival. In two bouts with ONE in 2018, Petchdam strung together two of the most memorable KO wins of the year.
Petchdam’s flamboyance and look are notable, but perhaps most significant is the power in his left leg. The 20-year-old Muay Thai kickboxer’s leg seems to double as a sledgehammer. In July, Petchdam made his promotional debut at ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER in Kuala Lumpur against Australia’s Josh “Timebomb” Tonna.
Unfortunately for the warrior from down under, it was he who would be the victim of a detonation. Petchdam’s kick/knee to the midsection and chin of the Aussie resulted in an instant KO and one of the most electrifying stoppages of 2018.
Giorgio Petrosyan
If you’re familiar with kickboxing, then you know The Doctor. Petrosyan is widely considered one of, if not the best kickboxer of all time. His arrival to ONE’s Super Series resulted in a jolt of energy as the division added a true legend.
Despite having more than 100 professional kickboxing matches under his belt, Petrosyan is just 33 years old. He made his debut in April at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR with a hard-fought victory over ‘Smokin’ Jo Nattawut. The win was impressive because it came against a tough and determined competitor who wasn’t intimidated by Petrosyan’s status or accomplishments.
For ONE, this was just the beginning with Petrosyan. After taking time to win Bellator’s inaugural Kickboxing Lightweight Championship, Petrosyan would return to ONE to score a victory over Sorgraw Petchyindee to round out a successful year.
Even more should be in store for Petrosyan and ONE in 2019.
Nieky Holzken
Speaking of kickboxing legends, ONE welcomed a second household name to the fold in Holzken. The veteran of boxing and kickboxing had just one bout with ONE in 2018, but he made sure to leave an impression in his lone appearance.
In November at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM, Holzken rematched Cosmo Alexandre. In their first bout which took place back in 2010, Holzken won but Alexandre went the distance. This time, Holzken seemed determined to end things early. Holzken peppered Alexandre with shots throughout the opening frame. In the second round, Holzken connected with the final salvo. The combination was punctuated with a fiery uppercut.
The punch finished the Brazilian and gave Holzken his first stoppage win in three years. You can bet he has plans for more.
Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex
When it comes to kickboxing legends, ONE seems to have them in spades. ONE inked a deal with the Boxing Computer that saw the veteran Thai warrior debut in May at ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS against Chris Ngimbi. The latter offered respectable resistance to Yodsanklai, but in the end, the surgical and experienced legend secured his first win with the promotion.
His year was far from done. Hungry for a finish to further announce his presence, Yodsanklai faced the talented and accomplished Luis Regis. It didn’t take long for Yodsanklai to remind everyone watching that his power is formidable. Like Holzken, the uppercut was Yodsanklai’s weapon of choice. He eradicated Regis with a shot that left his opponent out and up against the cage.
With a 2-0 start with ONE, there is talk that a Yodsanklai vs. Petrosyan bout could be in the works for 2019. If it comes to fruition, it just might be one of the year’s most anticipated matches.
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai
Boxing hadn’t been a part of ONE Championship’s lineup before 2018, but the sport was introduced to the promotion’s fans in a big way with the signing of WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
In October, the pound-for-pound contender took down a well-prepared but overmatched Iran Diaz via unanimous decision at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES. In the bout, Srisaket displayed the toughness, punching accuracy and relentlessness that guided him to two victories over Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and another against Juan Francisco Estrada.
With the win over Diaz, Srisaket didn’t just give himself a great start with ONE, he also laid the groundwork for more boxing bouts with the promotion.
By Dan Paulo Errazo Team Lakay veteran Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio gained a reputation as ONE Championship’s “Rematch King” after his split-decision win over Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes for the ONE Flyweight World Title last June. This is because he does so well in rematches, that his record shows he’s won all of them. The former school […]
Team Lakay veteran Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio gained a reputation as ONE Championship’s “Rematch King” after his split-decision win over Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes for the ONE Flyweight World Title last June. This is because he does so well in rematches, that his record shows he’s won all of them.
The former school teacher has the prized ability to learn from previous losses by taking away from his mistakes and coming back smarter, hungrier, and better-trained to get the victory.
“I’m a calculated fighter. I rely more on my skills, technique, and intelligence rather than my speed and power like most guys,” said Eustaquio.
“When I get a feel for an opponent the first time, I know what it will take to beat him the second time around.”
Eustaquio’s most recent triumph over rival Moraes is one of his best performances — better than his last bout against Anatpong “Mak Mak” Bunrad, that ended with a split-decision as well as his showdown with the former flyweight titleholder Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov with a unanimous decision.
Eustaquio fell by guillotine choke to Moraes during the second round of their first encounter at ONE: Rise of the Kingdom last September 12, 2014. The Filipino admitted that having very little experience was not enough to claim victory. But it made him realize the work he needed to do in order for him to reach the top of his game.
“I guess I wasn’t ready to face a champion the caliber of Moraes then, although I was confident in my skills,” he explains.
“It’s a different experience when you share the cage with the champion. I was shocked at the gap between us. It was a good learning opportunity for me.
“I discovered where I was lacking, and what I needed to work on.”
After the third loss of his professional career, Eustaquio put in the time and effort back at the Team Lakay gym. There, he tightened up his game and worked on his overall skills, particularly grappling offense and defense.
“I knew I couldn’t let another opportunity slip through my fingers,” he adds.
“I hit the gym hard, worked on my overall skills, got my mindset right, and the rest was history. I’m confident now more than ever.”
Although the Baguio City native fell short in his first attempt at a World Title match against “Mikinho” back in 2014, that did not stop Eustaquio in getting a unanimous decision win to claim the ONE Interim Flyweight World Title against Akhmetov four years later at ONE: Global Superheroes.
Against Moraes then, “Gravity” was able to showcase his improved ground game, deflecting several submission attempts from the crafty Brazilian.
“It wasn’t easy, the split decision can attest to that, but our game plan worked,” he says.
“We were able to negate most of his strengths, and we did what we wanted to do. All the hard work was worth it. It’s definitely my favorite victory above all.”
The match ended with both martial artists kneeling in front of each other, showing their respect.
“I know one day we will meet each other in the cage again – I’m looking forward to it,” Eustaquio concluded.
With the bout being one of the closest of the year, both fans and observers would certainly enjoy a trilogy series between the two. Eustaquio and Moraes are set to tango once again at ONE: HERO’S ASCENT, set for 25 January at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. The rubber match will determine who walks out of the stadium with the undisputed title around his waist.
The wait to hear just who exactly ONE Championship’s star signing Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson will share the cage with, in his professional debut is over. It has been confirmed that Johnson, one of the world’s best pound for pound mixed martial artists will face off against Japan’s Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in Tokyo, Japan […]
The wait to hear just who exactly ONE Championship’s star signing Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson will share the cage with, in his professional debut is over.
It has been confirmed that Johnson, one of the world’s best pound for pound mixed martial artists will face off against Japan’s Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in Tokyo, Japan at ONE: A NEW ERA on 31 March.
Wakamatsu is a former Pancrase Flyweight Tournament Champion, who has ten wins to his name with nine of those coming by way of knockout.
Fans will be impatiently counting down the days until “Mighty Mouse” makes that walk down the ONE ramp. However, it will not only be fans who are eager to see how Johnson performs in his new environment but Johnson himself.
In a recent interview with ONE commentator Mitch “ The Dragon” Chilson, the 32-year-old shared his thoughts on ONE ’s progressive weight cutting policy.
“This is a new weight class for me essentially. I am used to fighting at 125 in North America, where I deplete myself completely to make the weight class,” he said
“Now I happen to weigh-in at 135, hydrated, and that is something I am going to have to get used to.”
It could be that fans may see an even more polished version of Johnson competing come March and that would be an intimidating prospect for his rivals in the Flyweight Grand Prix.
“I am looking forward to it, [to] diet down and get myself to like 134 hydrated and see how it goes.
“I am so used to competing on 24 hours’ notice of rehydrating. So it will be different to compete fully hydrated.”
Johnson has also become a fan of the ONE Super Series, and during the interview, he spoke openly about his desire to take part in the series eventually.
“I have always been fascinated by Muay Thai and kickboxing,” he said
“When I see guys like Giorgio Petrosyan and Nicky [Holzken] and Cosmo [Alexandre], I watched that bout [Holzken- Cosmo].
“Just to see how they don’t have to worry about so much. They don’t have to worry about their takedowns or submission. They can just worry about their striking.
“So I think before my time is done in my career I would love to get a kickboxing or Muay Thai bout.”
Johnson added that he would first have to see how his body would react to rigors of the stand-up disciplines before making any firm commitments and that his mixed martial arts career is his priority.
It seems that with every interview Johnson gives, the anticipation amongst fans to see him compete, continues to keep on increasing.
