It was a memorable evening for Philippine martial arts at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand as three of the nation’s top prospects prevailed over foreign opposition on the undercard of ONE Friday Fights 86.
Islay Erika Bomogao led the charge with a dominant outing, decisively defeating Japanese counterpart Fuu in a 100-pound catchweight bout by way of clear-cut unanimous decision.
Over three rounds, the Baguio City native maintained a commanding presence, consistently staying one step ahead. She shut down Fuu’s offensive attempts while expertly dismantling her adversary with counterpunches and follow-up body kicks.
Despite Fuu’s aggressive attacks, Bomogao kept her composure, using quick in-and-out movements to land significant strikes.
Celebrating her 24th birthday in style, the Team Bagsik standout couldn’t have asked for a better gift as her striking showcase earned her an undivided verdict from the judges.
(C) ONEFC.com
Meanwhile, Fritz Biagtan kicked off the Philippines’ campaign at ONE Friday Fights 86 with a sweet victory, outlasting Iran’s Sayedali Asli in a hard-fought flyweight MMA clash.
“Kid Tornado found himself on the mat early after Asli scored a takedown an extensive feeling-out process during the first minute of the opening round.
Unfazed by the top pressure from his Iranian opponent, Biagtan worked his way through the grappling exchanges, even attempting an armbar from the bottom.
Though Asli managed to maintain control on the ground for a time, Biagtan displayed resilience, battling off his back until he found a chance to return to his feet.
Once upright, the 29-year-old Dasmariñas, Cavite resident unleashed a series of crisp combinations, including a powerful body shot that sent Asli to the canvas.
Biagtan looked close to finishing the duel as he followed Asli to the ground with a solid knee strike, but the latter survived to make it to the next round.
As the bout continued, Asli landed several takedowns, but Biagtan’s activity and striking made it difficult for the Iranian to gain an upper hand.
Each time Biagtan found his range in the stand-up exchanges, he capitalized, landing clean, impactful shots.
By the third round, he had Asli’s strategy figured out, and in the final 90 seconds, Biagtan took command, unleashing a relentless barrage from top position.
His determined performance earned the nod from the judges, who awarded him a unanimous decision victory to improve his record to 7-2.
(C) ONEFC.com
Like Biagtan, Carlos Alvarez scored a redemption victory on the same card, stopping previously unbeaten Mirza Aliev of Turkey.
However, it came at a steep cost. “The Limitless” was in danger late in the first round, with Aliev pushing him to the brink with a relentless series of punches and knees.
Alvarez stormed back in the second frame, taking Aliev down hard and unloading a barrage of ground-and-pound.
Once Alvarez had the rangy Turkish fighter under control, the Team Lakay member didn’t let up, hammering Aliev with short elbows and punches.
After a failed attempt at his signature D’arce choke, Alvarez continued to rain down hammerfists and punches to the side of the head, forcing referee Herb Dean to step in at 4:22 of the second round.
The win boosted Alvarez’s professional standing to 5-1.
