Fresh off his biggest win as a mixed martial artist, Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan feels he is entering the peak of his professional career.
Catalan scored a unanimous decision victory after dominating Stefer The Lion Rahardian in front of his hometown fans at ONE: Eternal Glory in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this January.
He is scheduled to lock horns with another national martial arts hero in Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit at ONE: Warriors of Light on Friday, May 10, and the 28-year-old, Manila-native’s confidence is at an all-time high.
“I’m more confident with my game now, especially after that win in Indonesia,” said Catalan, who looks to stun the local favorite at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
“I feel like this is the best level that I have been at, both mentally and physically.”
There have been plenty of changes in the Catalan Fighting System camp, and these have resulted in major improvements.
For “The Ilonggo”, it’s all about understanding the things he needs to work on.
“Together with [my brother] Rene, we always look back and analyze our previous fights during training sessions so we can improve further,” he said.
“Not to be arrogant or anything, but I feel like a different athlete — particularly with my determination and confidence to get the win.”
After starting the year on a high note, Catalan pointed out that his impressive win over Rahardian is just the beginning of more positive things to come.
“I expect more challenges and more obstacles to hurdle if I truly want to become a World Champion,” he added.
“There are so many great warriors in my weight class and that’s one of my motivations — trying to keep in step with them.”
Catalan vows to show that hunger when the doors to the ONE Circle close on May 10, as he looks to knock off one of the great warriors in the strawweight division.
“I know there are still a lot of things to work on. But I will do everything to get that win and make sure I keep in step with other contenders.”
