ONE Championship Vice President and ONE Warrior Series CEO Rich Franklin is a big fan of local Philippine mixed martial arts.
Much of it has to do with the rapid progression of mixed martial arts in the country over the last few years.
“Look at the progression of these Filipino athletes in general in this sport – how many of the Lakay members have risen to championship status?” Franklin asked.
“Outside of the Lakay team, you have other athletes like Brandon Vera. This culture has a culture that has a martial arts-slash-combative mentality to it. Up from Manny Pacquiao, it’s just there. There’s a natural ability to pick things up.”
The 45-year-old mixed martial arts legend was particularly impressed with Filipinos’ ability to adjust and embrace the changes as the sport evolves.
From being just a country known for their heavy-handed athletes and never-say-die attitude, the top athletes of ONE from the region made it a point to sharpen their other tools to become well-rounded martial artists.
“I think it’s all about passion here, and education. The Filipino martial arts culture is a culture that has a very progressive mentality. They always look for that next step on how to make themselves better,” Franklin said.
The changes are evident.
In his last six wins, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio has ended half of his bouts by submission, including a spectacular converted key-lock finish against Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit, a move he fondly named as “The Passion Lock."
ONE Warrior Series standout Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang also has the same traits. He won both of his matches in The Home Of Martial Arts on the ground.
“There are a lot of cultures here that will hold onto what their cultural roots are. Instead of embracing the changes that come, they don’t have that progressive mentality of moving forward, but the Filipinos have [it],” Franklin said.
“I think that’s what placed them ahead of the curve with a lot of countries in the world and that’s what puts them there for years to come.”