Geje Eustaquio is looking to hit two birds with one stone when he returns to action on December 3rd.
The former ONE flyweight champion is set to collide with Chinese up-and-comer Hu Yong in a three-round encounter on the undercard of ONE 164, which takes place at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
In the process, Eustaquio will have the opportunity to extend his winning streak and put forth an undeniable performance to present a strong case to enter the promotion’s flyweight Top Five for the first time ever since the official ranking system was first introduced in 2019.
“I was actually surprised with what’s happening in the ranking system. I was wondering why I can’t find my name or I can’t find the moniker ‘Gravity’ on the list. But I am a positive person. The only way for me to break into the rankings is to keep on winning. I believe that’s the right formula,” he told Tiebreaker Times during an online media availability last Thursday, October 27.
“It’s not a degrading factor for me, I still believe in my capabilities and attitude as a mixed martial artist. I guess I will just let my performance speak for myself if I deserve to be in the rankings.”
Despite the snub from a spot in the ever-shifting flyweight rankings, the 33-year-old Baguio City native is riding high on a two-bout victory roll and has won three of his last four outings since relinquishing his possession of the gold-plated strap in January 2019.
“If I win in my next fight, it’s going to be my third consecutive victory. I hope it’s good enough to ask the powers that be or knock on the door for a spot in the rankings,” Eustaquio later added.
As the soft-spoken Team Lakay representative eyes a seat in the Top Five, it seems that Eustaquio has a fitting opponent who could give him a stern test and bring out the best of him.
Hu—a proud product of the ONE Hero Series program in China—began his run in ONE Championship on an astonishing note as he won four-straight matches at the developmental level and then impressed in his maiden appearance on the main roster by outpointing Yodkaikaew Fairtex.
“The Wolf Warrior” took on his first high-profile assignment in December 2021 by going head-to-head with Yuya Wakamatsu.
Hu surprisingly went the full distance with Wakamatsu but eventually bowed to the Japanese hard-hitter via unanimous decision.
Although Wakamatsu tormented Hu with his signature offense from bell to bell, the Chinese dynamo’s efforts were not left unnoticed.
Eustaquio is fully aware of Hu’s durability and never-say-die attitude, aspects that the Filipino should not overlook when they meet inside the cage.
“He’s very durable. We all saw that in his fight against Wakamatsu, who’s a well-known knockout artist. Unfortunately for Wakamatsu, he wasn’t able to knock out Hu Yong,” Eustaquio said of his foe.
“Plus, Hu Yong is very athletic and young at the same time. He’s a game opponent.”
While he is fond of what Hu can bring to the table as a competitor, Eustaquio cautioned the Chinese not to get too flattered by the pleasantries that he is extending.
Eustaquio reminded Hu that he has an important business to take care of on December 3.
With an eye on the future, “Gravity” plans on not leaving his fate to chance.
“We will aim for the finish,” Eustaquio declared.
“I’ve prepared an all-out, do-or-die game plan for this fight. It’s either I will knock him out or he will knock me out. That simple.”
