Nine months removed from her last assignment in ONE Championship, Filipina mixed martial artist Gina “Conviction” Iniong is now focused on representing the Philippines in kickboxing. Iniong is part of the eight-person kickboxing team who will represent Team Philippines in the Southeast Asian games from 30 November to 11 December in Manila.
The 30-year-old Filipina last competed at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, where she scored a unanimous decision victory over Malaysian star Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan last February.
She hopes to continue winning, this time not just for herself or for Team Lakay, but for the Philippines.
“This is the first time that I’ll represent the country in any international meet, so I am excited and I’m happy for this opportunity,” Iniong said.
“Since my last fight I’ve been training non-stop. I still want to become a World Champion and this prestigious tournament will give me the necessary momentum moving forward.”
Iniong is a six-time Philippine National Wushu Champion and holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 8-4.
She hopes her experience in both sports will transition well to kickboxing, and she is doing everything to make sure that happens.
“I know that this is a new challenge for me, but the opportunity is here and I plan to make good use of it,” Iniong said.
“I feel really motivated, it’s different here in the SEA Games. I’m driven to work really hard in training and prove to the whole world that I am one of the best.”
With her Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao leading the charge and having the hometown advantage, “Conviction” is confident that they will go home with medals.
“Our goal is to get the gold medal. Coach Mark told me not to waste this opportunity, but also enjoy the experience,” Iniong said.
“I am really determined to get the gold for the country and for my countrymen. I feel more confident knowing that my family and my friends will be in my corner. I will not let them down.”
For one last time this year, ONE Championship returns to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS at the Axiata Arena on 6 December.
Catch all the action live and for free on the ONE Super App.