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Eustaquio wants to taste revenge

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REVENGE is supposed to be a dish best served cold. Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio gets to prove that adage when he gets his long-awaited rematch against Thai rival Anatpong Bunrad at ONE: Dynasty of Heroes on May 26.

Eustaquio has waited two years to experience the sweet taste of vengeance when he gets his shot at Bunrad after the Thai narrowly beat him by split decision at ONE: Valor of Champions on April 24, 2015.

And after a bout that could have gone either way and which resulted in a bitter loss, Eustaquio says he’s not about to take any chances and will not let the three judges decide the outcome of the match.

“My first fight against him served as a big lesson. It’s my duty to learn from my mistakes and improve to become a better martial artist. I know what I am capable of. I can’t wait to showcase my talent this coming May 26,” Eustaquio said.

Eustaquio has power in both mitts. He knocked out Malaysian standout Saiful Merican with a counter left hook in the first round during their bout January last year. He hopes to score a similarly decisive win over Bunrad.

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Geje Eustaquio (right) connects with a roundhouse kick which is barely deflected by his opponent Gianni Subba. Eustaquio beat Subba by unanimous decision at ONE: Global Rivals, April 15, 2016. ONE Championship

“I have to make sure it will be a landslide if it will go to a decision, or if God permits, I will knock him down or submit him. I will go there and do my job. If God permits, I will bring home the victory,” he said.

Eustaquio squares off against Bunrad at the 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium. He says he’s ready for the challenge.

“The last time we fought, it was a razor-thin decision. Maybe I lacked the quantity in striking. There were also cases when his leg kicks, though those were weak ones, did connect. It didn’t hurt as much, but in the eyes of the judges, it had a big impact. So maybe this time, I’ll avoid those leg kicks,” Eustaquio said.

Eustaquio believes he won their last bout. He will admit though that it was a close decision and does not the blame the judges. But this time around he wants to leave no doubt by posting a decisive win. He plans to finish his foe by knockout or submission.

With a week left before the bout, Eustaquio said he also addressed the mental aspect of the marquee match-up.

“As we wrap up the training camp, we now channel our focus on the mental aspect. Since we fought before, we know how high his energy is. I have to be mentally prepared as well,” he said.

Geje Eustaquio (left) hits Thai rival Anatpong Bunrad on the face with a left straight. Eustaquio lost to Bunrad by split decision at ONE Valor of Champions on April 24, 2015. ONE Championship

Twenty eight-year-old Baguio City native Eustaquio will rely on his stamina and plans to consistently put the pressure on his Thai counterpart throughout the fight.

Bunrad hasn’t fought since December 2015 when he lost a narrow split decision to Gianna Subba who incidentally was convincingly beaten by Eustaquio by unanimous decision at ONE: Global Rivals April 15, 2016.

Bunrad was supposed to battle Eugene Toquero May last year but their bout was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. Eustaquio will undoubtedly be the sharper competitor between the two.

“‹”‹”‹For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Geje Eustaquio (left) talks to Manila Standard’s Reuel Vidal before working out at a gym.

ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia.

ONE Championship is broadcast to over one billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.

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