A string of losses can be detrimental to a mixed martial artist’s career, but it does not necessarily mean that it is the end according to Catalan Fighting System head coach Rene “The Challenger” Catalan.
Catalan knows what it is like to be on the wrong end of a losing streak. He started his campaign in The Home of Martial Arts with a 0-2-1 record before making a splash in his talent-rich strawweight division.
The career of his pupil, Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres on the other hand, tells a different story.
She started her ONE career with three straight wins, but eventually fell off the horse after she suffered yet another setback against Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan – her fourth straight defeat in the organization.
As disappointed as he is, Catalan remains a firm believer of Torres’ future.
“It’s not the end of the road for her,” Catalan said. “There are obstacles. I know she’s still new to martial arts and that she’s got a long way ahead of her. I started training martial arts at five, and I still do the basics. She’s been doing martial arts for three years.
“Of course, I am dismayed. But I’m confident that it’s not the end for her,” Catalan continued.
“Opportunities will still swing her way for as long as she remains disciplined.”
Despite suffering her fourth consecutive defeat, Catalan is optimistic that there is plenty of room to grow for the 23-year-old Torres, who was considered a late bloomer in the world of martial arts.
“Right now she has to focus on training, maybe she needs a break to realize where she is right now. But she’s still young,” Catalan said.
“After the break, she needs to go back to training because she needs to polish her strikes and build muscle memory so that we can apply our game plan better next time,” Catalan added.
“Whatever ONE gives us, we’ll take. We’ll be ready.”
Though optimistic, Catalan spoke honestly as he expressed disappointment in his prized pupil.
“I told her to stop thinking about her friends who would say ‘it’s okay, better luck next time.’ There’s a difference between ‘that’s okay’ and ‘congratulations.’
“I always tell her there’s no tomorrow. There’s no next time. Of course, if she loses, it also affects the team and the coaches, and that’s why we’re working intently on her game,” he closed.
