In his 10-year career as a pro, Ramon Gonzales has been all over the region.
The Karateka began his mixed martial arts career in Davao during URCC Davao Digmaan back in August 23, 2009.
After five years, he was signed by ONE Championship, and was assigned to bouts in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur.
But if there’s one thing the Filipino flyweight has yet to do, it’s fight in Manila.
“I’ve been asking for this for a long time, and finally it was given to me,” expressed Gonzales.
On Friday, April 12, Gonzales will fight in front of his friends and family as he is set to be part of ONE: Roots of Honor at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
And it’s a moment he is relishing.
“What excites me is that I’m finally gonna perform in front of my family.”
After going 0-2 to start his ONE career, the native of Polangul, Albay has been on a tear, picking up submission wins over Deligerihu Liu then Dodi Mardian to raise his slate to 3-2. On Friday, he looks to put on a hattrick as he faces undefeated fighter Akihiro Fujisawa.
With this task, the Kyokushin Karatedo Philippines instructor has been preparing hard for this bout, as he wants to put on a show in front of his compatriots.
“I am not taking this fight lightly at all. He’s undefeated and he’s a good foe.
“We’re preparing for everything. Whether this hits the ground or it remains standing up, we’ll put up a good fight,” he shared.
Gonzales is tempering expectations for his bout, however, saying that he won’t go for the highlight finish. All he wants is to have his hand raised after the bout.
“All I can say is I’ll do everything to get that win. Will there be a highlight? You better wait for it on April Twelve.”
