Surging Filipino star Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan plans to display his newfound confidence and intensity when he returns to ONE Championship on Friday, 10 May.
He is scheduled to face hometown favorite Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit at ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT, which takes place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Considered one of the most talented Muay Thai practitioners in the Philippines, Catalan expects to maintain his momentum and continue elevating his status in the promotion’s strawweight division.
“Everything that we worked for in the gym, it worked in our last fight. The start of the year was good for us, and I hope for it to continue,” said Catalan, who holds a 9-4 record.
“Like my brother, Rene, I dream of one day becoming a World Champion.”
Silencing a local fanbase is not a new thing for Catalan. In fact, it was just a few months ago when “The Ilonggo” last broke the hearts of an adoring home crowd.
Last January at ONE: ETERNAL GLORY, Catalan played the spoiler to the sold-out crowd at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia, as he dominated the country’s biggest martial arts hero, Stefer Rahardian, en route to a unanimous decision victory.
However, the hard-hitting Filipino refuses to look past his next opponent, who certainly has the tools to buck his triumphant start to 2019.
Mitsatit holds an impressive record of nine wins with only two losses, which came from reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio and top contender Hayato Suzuki.
The 22-year-old is also a former Northern Thailand Muay Thai Champion, as well as one of the nation’s most exciting mixed martial artists.
Catalan knows the talent his rival possesses, which is why he promises to be at his best when they collide in Bangkok.
“He’s young and prepared, and he’s fighting in his home country, so he certainly has an advantage,” Catalan said.
“He has very sharp striking, and I would assume that his grappling has improved also. But I won’t let him get a win over me. I won’t allow it.”