Another Filipino hopeful is seizing the chance to earn a $100,000 contract with ONE Championship through the promotion’s weekly “Friday Fights” series.
Eros Baluyot steps up to face tougher competition at ONE Friday Fights 87 on November 15, where he will go toe-to-toe with Changy Kara-Ool in a strawweight clash.
As Baluyot (4-0) prepares to take a significant leap in his young mixed martial arts career under the bright lights of the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, it’s worth mentioning that he started out as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu prodigy.
At just 17, he captured his first IBJJF world title as a white belt in 2010. He then replicated the podium feat two years later, this time as a blue belt.
In 2022, Baluyot reached a major milestone in his jiu-jitsu journey by earning his black belt, a goal that every practitioner in “the gentle art” aspires to achieve.
During this time, he also began laying the groundwork for his transition into the all-encompassing sport.
Alvin Aguilar’s URCC provided Baluyot the platform for his MMA debut, where he submitted MJ Abrillo with a wrenching armbar in the second round.
He continued to impress with a thrilling back-and-forth battle against Ef Sevilla in April 2023, followed by a submission victory over former ONE world title contender Rene Catalan four months later.
This past May, Baluyot extended his undefeated streak, finishing Robin Leonen with a triangle choke in the first round to claim the vacant URCC flyweight championship.
After establishing his credentials in the local ranks, the 32-year-old is now eager to test himself opposite the best talent overseas.
However, he faces no ordinary opponent in Kara-Ool, who boasts a professional record of 5-1.
Kara-Ool first turned heads last January when he decisively defeated Filipino journeyman Arsenio Balisacan, delivering heavy ground-and-pound that resulted in a severe cut, prompting the doctor to recommend stopping the bout before the third round.
“Boyka” delivered another impressive performance against Sanlang Gexi in March, placing him on the brink of securing a six-figure contract and a spot on the ONE main roster.
Unfortunately, his plans were thwarted by Avazbek Kholmirzaev in July, leaving Kara-Ool with much to prove.
Now, Kara-Ool is looking to regain his momentum, but he must do so versus the determined Baluyot.
