Filipina atomweight Rocel “The Ilongga” Catalan will bring that famed Catalan Fighting System DNA with her when she starts her ONE Championship journey.
Catalan makes her much-awaited debut this Wednesday, December 4 when she battles Ji Yeon “Honey Bee” Seo at Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series 9 in Singapore.
Coming from a family of martial artists that includes her older brother Rene “The Challenger” Catalan, the Iloilo City native vows not to disappoint.
“I’m very excited! This is my first time competing in ONE Warrior Series. It’s everyone’s dream to fight in the biggest promotion on the planet and I don’t have any plans of wasting this golden opportunity,” Catalan said.
Though this will be her first match in 16 months, “The Ilongga” does not think ring-rust will be a factor in her upcoming contest.
Catalan shared how they have been working double-time to come up with the perfect game plan for her South Korean foe who is coming in with back-to-back wins.
“I know Ji Yeon Seo is a great athlete, that’s why I focused on both my stand-up game and ground game, knowing my opponent is very well-rounded. My team created a perfect game plan for this bout,” Catalan said.
“We respect her skills and we are aware that she is a tough opponent, but I am ready for the challenge. I will display everything we worked on inside the gym, and I’ll make sure my hand will be raised after the match.”
While she will be ready no matter where this match goes, there is no secret where Catalan wants this match to take place.
“Although I have trained all areas of MMA, my background is rather striking focused, having a strong background in wushu and other striking, and that’s why I see this as my strength in this fight against Seo.”
For one last time this year, ONE Championship returns to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS at the Axiata Arena on 6 December.
The preliminary card begins on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the ONE Super App at 6:00pm Philippine Standard Time (PHT).
To watch the main card, turn to ABS-CBN S+A at 8:30pm PHT.
Or catch all the action live and for free on the ONE Super App.
