Mark Abelardo looks to raise PH flag come ONE: No Surrender

Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo will raise the Philippine flag high in ONE Championship’s return to live action this Friday, July 31. 

Abelardo battles Fabrício “Wonder Boy” Andrade in a 67-kilogram catchweight contest in one of the featured mixed martial arts bouts at ONE: No Surrender in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 28-year-old looks to get back on track after dropping a decision to “Pretty Boy” Troy Worthen in February.

Having been on lockdown since then, “Tyson” had five months to sharpen his tools, and he plans to show the results this Friday.

“It’s amazing. It’s good to be back, especially with competing,” Abelardo said.

“When ONE said they were going to come back and they announced the show, it was perfect. I wanted to get on it and I was like, let’s do it.”

But it’s not just Abelardo whom Filipino fans should look out for.

Bannering the event are two World Title bouts, with crowd favorite Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon putting his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title on the line against Petchdam “The Baby Shark” Petchyindee Academy to conclude their storied rivalry.

“The fans have been waiting for Muay Thai competitions to come back, and now, ONE Championship has announced a huge and amazing fight card. Everyone wants to watch,” Rodtang told ONEFC.com.

“We, as fighters, have to give our [best] performances. We are getting paid well, so we have to deliver. It’s our jobs, and the most important thing is we have to win our fans’ hearts.”

The ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion will also be on the line when Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy defends his strap against “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex.

“This upcoming bout is the most important Muay Thai fight of my life,” Petchmorakot said.

“Yodsanklai is already known worldwide. He is a great fighter and a legend. If I can beat Yodsanklai, I will be accepted and known globally.”