Considered one of the best female Filipino fighters in the Philippine mixed martial arts scene today, Gina “Conviction” Iniong has finally found her way to ONE Championship
Iniong will make her much-awaited promotional debut at ONE Championship: Kings of Destiny at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, as she is booked to square off with Filipino-English stalwart Natalie Gonzales Hills in a three-round atomweight contest.
The 27-year-old, Baguio City native is a member of the renowned Team Lakay, and has a professional MMA record of 4-2. Three of her four career victories have come by thrilling finish, which includes two impressive submissions.
Team Lakay’s 5-foot-2 atomweight standout also owns notable victories over the likes of French fighter Nathalie Heidel and Japanese veteran Mei Yamaguchi.
In her last bout under regional promotion Pacific Xtreme Combat in January 2016, Iniong astonishingly submitted Spanish combatant Vanessa Rico Fernandez with a heel lock in the first round.
Now competing on a global stage like ONE Championship, Iniong sets her sights on establishing a lasting impression as she shares the cage with Hills on Friday, April 21.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me by this well-respected MMA promotion. ONE Championship is the premier MMA organization in Asia,” she said.
“With my debut taking place this April, it’s a chance to show the world what I am capable of doing inside the cage.
“I’m not going to waste this wonderful opportunity. I am here to give every Filipino MMA fan who is going to watch the event live a night to remember,” Iniong added.
Iniong admitted that she feels the pressure, but Mark Sangiao’s talented female ward stressed that she thrives on it, as it brings out the best in her.
“There will always be pressure, but it is about channeling it in a right way. Being nervous before a fight can be good in a certain way. I thrive on it because it motivates me to overcome it by doing my best,” she stated.
As a fierce cage competitor with the ability to finish opponents in a variety of methods, Iniong seeks a statement-making victory in her first assignment under the ONE Championship banner.
“I’ve been out for over a year. I cannot explain how excited I am to step inside the ONE Championship cage for the very first time,” she added.
“Of course, I want that finish. I am always looking for that. If there’s an opening to get the knockout or submission, I will go for that in a split second.”
