Rene "The Challenger" Catalan knows that his lifelong dream to become a mixed martial arts World Champion might just be one win away.
By defeating former ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito at ONE: REIGN OF VALOR in March, the Iloilo City native has put himself into prime position for a future World Title shot.
That is why he’ll come to the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila on Friday, 12 April for ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR as the most interested spectator of all.
In the co-main event, ONE Strawweight World Champion Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta will defend his belt against former titleholder Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, and the winner could very well be Catalan’s next opponent.
"This is an exciting match-up,” the 40-year-old expressed.
“Their first match was a classic, and it could have gone either way. I expect that their rematch here in Manila will be more explosive.
“I would like to see how both athletes will adjust from their first match.”
The first meeting between Pacio and Saruta kicked off ONE Championship’s 2019 calendar of events in Jakarta, Indonesia.
For all five rounds, it was an all-out war, with Saruta being the aggressor and Pacio patiently waiting for counters.
In the end, the judges awarded the win — and the belt — to the Japanese challenger. That raised some eyebrows from those in attendance including ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, who ordered the immediate rematch between the two.
Despite the controversial end to their January clash, Catalan believes Saruta will leave the Mall Of Asia Arena with the gold next Friday.
“I’m sure that Saruta won’t allow Pacio to have his belt back. He is aware of the adjustments his challenger will be making,” Catalan shared.
“The key factor in their upcoming rematch will be determination, and that is what I think will lead Saruta to victory.”
Should Catalan indeed get the next World Title shot, he has no preference on who he faces for the belt.
All he cares about is preparing himself for the future and making sure he is ready to strike when the time comes.
“I know both Pacio and Saruta, and I’m aware of the challenges I need to face — if ever I face them inside the ONE Championship cage,” he said.
“That is the reason I’m training very hard at the moment. I won’t allow anyone to stop me from achieving my dream to become a World Champion.”