WITH Geje Eustaquio taking in the limelight of the One Championship event on September 16 in Jakarta, Indonesia for "Total Victory", another Filipino fighter will see action in Asia’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions.
As Team Lakay's Eustaqio takes on former One flyweight world champion Kairat Akhmetov, 30-year-old Ramon Gonzales representing Burn Soriano’s Hitman MMA will make his third appearance under the promotion’s banner against Liu De Li Ge Ri Hu while fellow Filipino Roy Doliguez squares off against Yago Bryan.
After his unfruitful stint in his title match against Adrian Moraes two years ago, Eustaquio feels he has learned the lessons from previous bouts, and is ready to capitalize on what he believes to be Akhmetov’s biggest flaw.
The Team Lakay flyweight said the camp has prepared him against Akhmetov’s wrestling and takedowns and in his most recent bout, Eustaquio defeated fellow striker Anatpong Bunrad via split decision in a rematch.
While there is much to be learned from his more experienced colleagues, Eustaquio explains he prefers to work with the younger generation to keep himself in top shape.
“I prefer to spar and train with our younger Team Lakay members, namely Joshua (Pacio), Stephen (Loman), Cris (Pitpitunge), and Danny (Kingad). They keep me sharp and motivated. Although I learn from the veterans as well, I think there is still a lot to learn from the younger generation,” said Eustaquio.
When Eustaquio steps inside the cage this September, it will be months long of hard work coming down to a single evening of competition at the highest level. Hanging in the balance is possibly a second chance at a world championship.
Seeing action in the undercard is top Indonesian prospect Stefer Rahardian who is unbeaten at six wins and no losses, puts his unblemished record on the line against Sim Bunsrun, a former KWC 3 flyweight tournament champion currently competing in One Championship’s stacked flyweight division.
Cameroonian Alain Ngalani, of Impakt MMA in Hong Kong looks to surprise local fans in attendance with another spectacular performance as he takes on former title challenger Hideki Sekine who is looking for a rematch against Filipino-American superstar and ONE heavyweight world champion Brandon Vera.
Other bouts in the undercard include Sunoto who looks to continue his winning ways as he is set to duke it out with Thai Rithy while Jeremy Meciaz seeks another victory against Hisyam Samsudin.
