Being taller has always been seen as an advantage in mixed martial arts, but Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio believes it could lead to his opponent’s downfall when they meet inside the Circle.
The former ONE Flyweight World Champion will be facing a tall order – literally – when he takes on South Korea’s Kim Kyu Sung at ONE: Enter the Dragon, in the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, May 17.
The 26-year-old Kim, who stands 6-feet tall and trains out of Evolve MMA, has a seven-inch height advantage over “Gravity”. However, the Baguio City- native feels his adversary will be biting off more than he can chew.
“I think his weakness is his height,” the 30-year-old said.
“He’s too tall to be in our division, which means he needs to really adjust to blend with us.”
Together with Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao, Eustaquio has been searching all over the web for videos to study his South Korean opponent.
Although he admits to having limited knowledge about Kim, “Gravity” has already learned a thing or two about his foe.
“I saw just one video. He’s a striker, and he has great wrestling defense,” the former World Champion shared.
Based on that video, the outspoken Eustaquio knows this won’t be easy for him.
Photo from ONE Championship
While the Filipino is a wushu stylist, Kim is also well-versed in the stand-up department and possesses one-punch knockout power. In addition, five of his nine career victories come via knockout.
“Yes, his striking is on the same level as mine,” Eustaquio offered.
“He is also a good striker, and most of his wins are by knockout. It’s going to be a tough competition, knowing South Korean athletes are also warriors.”
In his last outing, Eustaquio lost the ONE Flyweight World Title to his old nemesis Adriano Mikinho Moraes in front of a home crowd inside the SM Mall Of Asia Arena at ONE: Hero’s Ascent last January.
The Filipino has been raring to get another crack at the gold ever since that fateful night in Manila. He truly believes this upcoming bout will be the first step in acquiring that.
“Maybe I need two straight wins in a row,” he quipped.
“If God permits, I can challenge the titleholder again.”
