The complexion of mixed martial arts has changed over the years as more and more women continue to excel in the sport as years go by.
ONE Championship is right in the middle of the revolution, putting together a collection of quality women’s athletes who are as good, entertaining and talented as their men’s counterpart.
When it comes to the Philippine mixed martial arts scene, Team Lakay’s Gina “Conviction” Iniong will be the first lady to come to mind, and as the International Women’s Month formally kicks-off, she looks back at how far they have gone
“I’m happy that women’s mixed martial arts here in the Philippines is starting to grow,” she said. “Now, many promotions have weight classes for women, which proves that mixed martial arts is now for everybody, not just men.”
“You can now also see highlight-reel knockouts and submissions from us, which only proves that the future of women’s mixed martial arts is very promising.”
Iniong started her journey into martial arts back in high school when she used to train boxing. She then moved to to wushu where she won the Philippine National Title six times, before transitioning to mixed martial arts full time.
Now, she’s one of the top contenders in ONE Championship’s atomweight division, and an athlete who has definitely inspired tons of Filipinas that they can excel in any chosen field.
“Women are starting to recognize that we have tons of potential in this sport, not just as an athlete who wants to stay fit but also as a competitor in life, as it also develops our will to win and to achieve more,” she stated.
“It only shows that women can also dominate and at the same time entertain fans.”
All the 29-year-old Baguio City native hoped for back then is for the opportunity to showcase her ability in the cage, and now that it was given to her, she vows to continue to make good use of it.
She hopes that mixed martial arts opens more doors for women to find their true calling, the same way she found hers.
“Mixed martial arts gave direction to my life and is the main reason for the good life I'm enjoying at the moment. I will always want to perform better, so I can inspire other ladies,” Iniong proudly declared.
“I will continue to prove that we could do anything that men could.”