Mark “Mugen” Striegl is not looking past Casey Suire by any means, but, with around 72 hours before their battle at the ONE Championship Valor of Champions at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, April 24, the Filipino fighter bared that he wants a crack at the ONE bantamweight crown currently held by Brazilian Bibiano Fernandes.
This makes his ONE Championship debut a good barometer to see how he will stack up against the organization’s bantamweights and a good first step toward achieving the dream.
“Any fight is make it or break it. There is a saying in MMA that you are only as good as your last fight. I am looking at the ONE Championship bantamweight title,” Striegl said, a few moments before his open workout Tuesday at the KMA Fitness Center.
“You take it one fight at a time. Ultimately, I want a belt. It is something that has been eluding me. You have to work your way up.”
The Baguio-based fighter, representing Evolve MMA, spent a few minutes hitting the heavy bag and doing basic combinations. He also gamely answered questions from the press.
With only a few days before the weigh-in, Striegl says everything is under control. He cannot wait to represent the Red, White, and Blue.
“Training camp has been great. Everything is smooth sailing, and I just can’t wait to be there on Friday night, represent the Philippines, raise the Filipino flag, and handle business. I am ready to go,” he shared.
Striegl trained in Singapore for his much-awaited debut, but to be playing it at home is an unparalleled feeling, he claims.
“It is definitely an inspiration. A lot of people have been asking me about pressure. There is always pressure in any sport. I just use it as a motivation, and I can’t wait; it’s been a long time since I fought in Manila and in front of the home crowd. I just want to get the W.”
The welterweight championship fight between Luis Santos and Ben Askren headlines ONE Valor of Champions, while four other Filipinos see action that night.
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