By Maxine Lagman
ONLY one out of five Filipino fighters who competed in the World Series of Fighting Global Championships at the Araneta Coliseum came out a winner, a female fighter at that in Jujeath Nagaowa.
It has been two years ever since the former boxing champion Nagaowa fought inside the cage. Her comeback in the sport on Saturday night, however, proved that her time away from the mixed martial arts was well spent, as she won over Japan’s Yuko Kiryu.
The former Women’s International Boxing Association light flyweight champion was able to use her powerful jabs to open a cut above Kiryu’s eyes in the first round.
Kiryu counterattacked by tackling Nagaowa to the ground, but the Igorot fighter was vigorous and slowly positioned herself to stifle her opponent’s othermovements.
Nagaowa’s strong right overhand strikes weakened Kiryu’s stability, which affected the Japanese’ game and placed her in a frail state.
“Medyo nahirapan din ako sa laban, lalo na at mas may experience siya sakin. Kapag pinipilt niya ko ilagay sa ground, sinusunod ko lang talaga ‘yung game plan which is to strike. Saka ‘yung right overhand,” said Nagaowa.
The 28-year-old Nagaowa went on to win by a 30-27 unanimous decision, earning her third win in the sport of mixed martial arts.
Despite knowing that her fellow MMA Filipino fighters lost their respective matches, Nagaowa was still proud of what they have all achieved.