Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo sees his clash against “Pretty Boy” Troy Worthen as the chance to prove his stature in the loaded ONE Championship bantamweight division.
The duo tangle in one of the most anticipated bouts on the lead card of ONE: King of the Jungle this Friday, February 28, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
At the moment, ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes still has no challenger in the horizon after a victorious end to his rivalry with Team Lakay’s Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon. Abelardo believes a win here gets him closer to that position.
“I’ve been through a lot in my mixed martial arts journey, but I think my mindset to handle certain situations will also play a huge factor in our match,” Abelardo said.
“Fighting Troy and taking a win against the undefeated prospect in his hometown of Singapore would throw my name out there for more recognition, and surely boost my ranking in the bantamweight division.”
The Filipino-Kiwi is a 25-match veteran, having won 19 of his bouts with a 75-percent stoppage rate.
He first burst onto the scene after winning Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series Season 3. Now, with two wins in three matches on the main roster, Abelardo has no plans of slowing down.
“Troy is a dangerous fighter with strong wrestling and grappling, but he is yet to face a test with me. I always like to put on a show with my striking so the fans will see a lot of that. Fairtex has improved my striking more so I believe it will be superior to his,” Abelardo said.
“I want to continue the momentum and climb the ladder in the bantamweight rankings, taking all fights that are presented to me. I’m very hungry to win — expect fireworks in this one.”
As dangerous as Worthen is, though, “Tyson” is not worried. He believes the experience he gained in his career, which has spanned nearly a decade, will be more than enough to overcome the unbeaten American wrestling sensation.
“I have faced all types of fighters, whether they’re high-level wrestlers, BJJ black belts, or high-level strikers. With that said, nothing will be new to me,” Abelardo said.
“I believe my experience will play a big factor on February 28.”
ONE Championship returns to The Lion City with ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE this Friday, February 28, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Two more Filipinos take centerstage that night as Honorio “The Rock” Banario battles Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai, and Denice “The Menace Fairtex” Zamboanga takes on Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi all on the lead card.
The lead card begins at 5:30 PHT on ONE’s Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts, or the ONE Super App.
The main card starts at 8:30 PHT on ABS CBN S+A.
