Tag: ONE Championship

By Dan Paulo Errazo

Reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of Baguio City proudly represents the Philippines not only as a World Champion mixed martial artist, but also as a true full-blooded Filipino warrior. And it certainly shows in his choice of attire in front of the cameras.

Folayang is known to don the Barong Tagalog for his media obligations, a traditional Filipino formal garment for men. It is usually made out of Piña fabric (hand-loomed pineapple leaf fibers) or Jusi fabric (mechanically woven abaca or banana silk).

“Landslide” is often seen wearing the Barong Tagalog for press conferences, public face offs, and other formal or informal occasions. It is his way of proudly telling the world of who he is and where he’s from.

“I represent the Philippines and my ethnicity by wearing a Barong. I am proud to wear it each and every time. I also use a Barong for awardings and speaking engagements,” Folayang said.

“I think it sends a message that you do not have to imitate other nation’s style
to look good. We have to be proud of your own identity.”

Folayang recently bagged the ONE Lightweight World Title with a unanimous decision win over Amir Khan last November 23, 2018 at ONE: Conquest of Champions in Manila.

During the promotion of his last match, the Team Lakay veteran wore the Barong Tagalog, which he recently picked up in Easter Weaving Baguio. This store is known for making a wide array of products that highlight the country’s culture and heritage.

While other athletes wore suits, Folayang simply pointed out that he prides himself in standing out by wearing a unique and completely ethnic formal garment.

“Our Barong is unique, which is why I like wearing it so much. I want to show how unique Filipinos are. I am very proud of where I came from,” he explained.

Folayang soon became known as the martial artist who wears a Barong Tagalog, and it even caught the attention of ONE Championship’s CEO International, Victor Cui.

When Folayang found out that Cui admired his formal attire a lot, he went out and got one for the CEO.

“Victor Cui likes my formal attire so much,” Folayang recalled with a smile.

“The fact he likes it so much, I had to buy one for him. He was very happy when he got it.”

Folayang is scheduled to defend his ONE Lightweight World Title against Japanese martial arts legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki in the main event of ONE: A New Era, which emanates from the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Given that he’s stepping on enemy territory to defend his belt, you can be sure that “Landslide” will do everything he can to represent the Philippines, including wear his Barong Tagalog to all the media events.

The post Eduard Folayang Promotes Philippine Culture with his Formal Attire appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

By Dan Paulo Errazo

The holiday season in the Philippines usually means people rushing about to buy gifts, going to numerous parties, and simply enjoying a little time off with their loved ones. But according to reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, a true professional does not waste a single moment to train.

Pacio, who captured the strawweight strap with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Yoshitaka Naito last September, will make the first defense of his title on January 19, 2019, at ONE: Eternal Glory set for Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia. He will square off against Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta.

Despite the holiday season, Pacio is maximizing the time he has left before the main event by putting in the hours to make sure that he is more than ready to face his challenger.

“It’s the sacrifice that I have to do because it’s my first title defense,” said the 22-year-old Baguio native.

“On Christmas Eve, I spent it with my family, but the day after, I was back in training.”

“The Passion” was initially scheduled for a rematch with Hayato Suzuki, but due to an injury that forced Suzuki to withdraw from the contest, Saruta was tapped to step in and compete for the title.

Yet even with the sudden change in opponent, the Baguio City native Pacio’s focus remained steadfast.

“As a martial artist, you need to adapt. It has already happened to me in the past, and I was able to adapt through it,” he said.

“The game plan will be changed, but that’s okay. It’s better now because there are still weeks to prepare.”

With a few weeks left before one of the most important matches in Pacio’s career, he is confident that he is on track with his training and is determined more than ever to do what it takes to keep the title.

“The training is going fine. Now it’s all about peaking at the right time in training,” he shared.

“Regardless of my opponent, I will do my best to defend my title successfully.”

The post Joshua Pacio Trains Through Holidays In Lieu of ONE World Title Defense appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

ONE Championship female atomweight competitor Rome “The Rebel” Trinidad says 2018 Miss Universe winner Catriona Gray has given her an extra jolt of inspiration.

Gray is the fourth Filipina to wear the Miss Universe crown, but the road was full of challenges. After placing in the Top Five of Miss World 2016, Gray then worked hard to win Binibining Pilipinas which led her to represent the Philippines in the recently concluded global beauty pageant.

Gray’s underdog tale of victory has inspired Trinidad despite hardships in her own professional mixed martial arts career.

“She didn’t give up on her dream. Failures didn’t stop her to reach for her ultimate goal. It is empowering to have a fellow Filipina like Catriona Gray,” said Trinidad.

“We belong in totally different fields, but seeing her succeed boosted my morale and continues to inspire me to pursue my dreams just like her.”

The 2018 Miss Universe Gray, it turns out, is no stranger to martial arts. She is a black belt in Choi Kwang-Do, which was a recurring backstory in her run up through the pageant. In addition, Gray is also an advocate of Paraiso: A Bright Beginnings Project, whose main goal is to provide free education for children.

“Catriona is truly an inspiration for us women. She is living proof that anything is possible through hard work,” Trinidad said.

Conversely, Trinidad herself was formerly a freelance model and has appeared in commercials. But she eventually switched professions and became a mixed martial artist when she joined Elorde Boxing Gym.

Unfortunately for “The Rebel,” things didn’t really get off to a hot start. She made her professional debut in December 2017 and has since dropped two losses against prominent opponents. The Filipina was submitted in the second round by Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige in her debut ONE: Warriors of the World last December 2017, and then dropped a first round submission to Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol months later.

Still, Trinidad remains determined to get back on track and pursue her dreams in the cage. Given the recent string of victories for the Philippines in the mixed martial arts arena, as well as Catriona Gray’s spectacular showing at the 2018 Miss Universe, Trinidad has plenty of avenues of inspiration.

And she will use these as a springboard for a run in 2019.

“We never lose. It’s either we win or we learn. My match against Rika Ishige in Bangkok, Thailand was a learning process for me and my team.

“It proved to be a year of success for the Philippines. I am drawing inspiration from that success as I open a new chapter in 2019. Like them, I am not giving up. I will be back stronger than ever,” Trinidad vowed.

The post Model Turned MMA Fighter Takes Inspiration From Miss Universe appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

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 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.”

The post Rene Catalan Waiting Patiently for a ONE Championship World Title Shot appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

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.

The post May Ooi Inspired By Her Late Fiance to Lead the Next Generation appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

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.

The post Kevin Belingon Details Title Winning Performance Against Bibiano Fernandes appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.