When Lito Adiwang steps into the ONE Circle for Inside The Matrix III, he will do so with a heavy heart.
In a video released by the promotion, an emotional Adiwang shared his family’s struggles while caring for his mother Leticia, ahead of one of the biggest bouts of his career.
The 27-year-old native from Benguet, Philippines has dedicated his next fight to her honor and hopes he can make her proud once again.
“I am very excited and happy to be back in action and continue to do what I love to do. This fight is very special to me. I want to win for my family, especially my mom,” said Adiwang.
“My mother has had a big impact on my life. She is the reason I am who I am today. I thank her for everything in my life, and I am proud and happy to be her son.”
On Friday, Adiwang faces former Shooto Champion Hiroba Minowa of Japan in a three-round mixed martial arts contest.
Because of the lockdowns imposed by Covid-19 restrictions in the Philippines — particularly in Baguio City where he resides — Adiwang has taken the extra free time as a blessing. He’s been able to spend more time at home with family while still trying to stay in shape and ready for his next appearance in the Circle.
Since joining ONE Championship by way of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series, Adiwang has strung together a series of impressive performances. He currently rides a seven-bout win streak, and is one of the most explosive young stars in the world.
And a victory over Minowa this Friday night will continue pushing him in the right direction.
“It’s very important for me to keep my momentum in ONE Championship because it’s one way for me to be recognized as a top talent in ONE. My goal is to one day become a world champion. Nothing has changed since you last saw me. I’ve only gotten better,” said Adiwang.
“I’ve really done my best in training and to improve myself. That’s the only way I can keep this up. Every time I step into the Circle, I want to give fans a show they want to watch. Each victory will keep moving me up the ladder until I’ve reached the top.”
Minowa, meanwhile, is a grappling specialist with a penchant for executing some very tricky submissions.
Adiwang knows exactly what he will be up against, and has prepared himself accordingly.
“Hiroba Minowa is a very good fighter. I respect him a lot. He is a young and hungry fighter with a good ground game. I’m not taking him lightly, or any opponent for that matter. I always come for the victory,” said Adiwang.
“I’ve worked hard on all areas for this fight, especially in my ground game and jiu-jitsu, because that’s what he’s good at. But, of course, I’m also focused more on the things that I can do to him, and don’t dwell too much on the things he can do to me.”
