Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzales will not worry about his opponent’s hometown advantage when he battles “Wolf Of The Grasslands” Hexigetu at ONE: Age of Dragons at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China this Saturday, November 16.
Their first match was originally scheduled for ONE: Dreams of Gold in Bangkok last August. It then had to be scratched off after the Filipino failed his hydration test.
And he will now face “Wolf Of The Grasslands” in his own backyard.
“Hometown advantage won’t really play a role in our match because I trained and I worked hard for this,” Gonzales said.
“I know that wherever they take me and wherever I fight, I will be bringing the support of all the Filipinos who believe in me. Their silent cheers are inside my heart and that is more than enough for me.”
The 32-year-old will target his fourth straight win in ONE Championship. Still, he promises not to be complacent against his Chinese foe.
With an extra four months to prepare for Hexigetu, the Filipino karateka insists he is not changing anything from his original preparation.
He plans to remain well-rounded and face whatever Hexigetu throws at him.
“Nothing has changed. It’s still the same plan this Saturday,” Gonzales said.
“Our game plan is to give it all, no less, whether that’s in the striking department or on the ground. Wherever this goes, I will be at my best to win.”
After losing his last time out, the last thing Gonzales wants is to disappoint the people who have never stopped believing in him even in his times of struggle.
With another opportunity to move up the ranks right in front of him, the Kyokushin Fight Academy product vows to grab this opportunity by the horns.
“I always feel blessed each time I fight. It’s another opportunity for me and my family. The goal is to win because it would help me achieve the things that I am looking forward to,” Gonzales said.
“This is for everyone who has always believed in me. I want to show that I am working hard and that I won’t be wasting their support.”
ONE Championship returns this Saturday, 16 November for ONE: Age of Dragons in Beijing, China.
The prelims start on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the ONE Super App at 5:00pm Philippine Standard Time (PHT). The main card starts at 6:30pm.
Also, ABS-CBN S+A will show the main card on a same-day delay at 11:00pm PHT.
Read More From ONE Championship:
Joshua Pacio Finishes Rene Catalan, Retains ONE Strawweight World Title
Ramon Gonzales Aims To Continue Life-Changing Winning Streak In Bangkok
