Islay Bomogao has one clear objective this Friday, November 8 – to steal the spotlight at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Filipina heroine is ready to figure in a 100-pound catchweight Muay Thai contest against Japanese counterpart Fuu at ONE Friday Fights 86.
Anticipation has been building since it was announced that Bomogao would be joining ONE Championship’s developmental league, where the majority of its competitors are up-and-comers vying for a $100,000 contract and a chance to secure a spot on the main roster.
It’s quite understandable where the fanfare is coming from, as she has been making waves since her days in the amateur circuit.
Born and raised in Baguio City, the 23-year-old has consistently found herself on the podium in nearly every competition she has entered, including the Southeast Asian Games.
In 2023, Bomogao made history by winning the gold medal in the female elite 45-kilogram category at the IFMA World Championships.
She raised the bar even higher this past August when IFMA released its rankings, placing her as the No. 1 athlete in her weight class.
Now, Bomogao aims to carry that momentum into her debut under the ONE Friday Fights banner.
In fact, she can hardly contain her excitement about the chance to showcase her skills to a much broader audience.
“I feel happy, and I feel like I have the responsibility in this fight to inspire other people. My goal as always is when I compete, I compete not just for myself. I want to inspire people,” she said.
It’s only fitting for a decorated striker like Bomogao to begin her stint in the promotion on the ultimate proving ground of “the art of eight limbs.”
However, she offers a word of caution. While the enthusiastic Lumpinee Stadium crowd is accustomed to high-octane bouts each week, Bomogao intends to bring a fresh perspective to Muay Thai.
“I’d say my strength would be that I’m not your typical Muay Thai striker. I’m not going to stand in the pocket and trade strikes with my opponent,” she stated.
Though her approach may differ from what many expect, she emphasizes the importance of not underestimating her abilities.
Bomogao prides herself on her technical fighting style, leveraging her strengths to effectively dismantle her opponents.
“I feel like I’m agile, I like to move a lot. I like doing some tricks as well – I like to have fun in the ring instead of standing and banging with my opponent. I like to think I’m a cerebral fighter,” she explained.
“I think about the strikes I throw, and I just don’t throw punches casually. I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well – I have back kicks, I have hook kicks, and I want to show off all that.”
Fully aware of the hype surrounding her maiden assignment, Bomogao is determined to capitalize on the opportunity to put the Philippines on the Muay Thai map.
“I’m going to show a different Muay Thai style, a Filipino style of Muay Thai. We’re a country of happy people, and I want to encapsulate that with how I fight,” she declared.
“I want to showcase a Muay Thai that’s relaxed, that’s cerebral, but at the same time having fun.”
