Toni “Dynamite” Tauru believes his rematch with Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio will unfold the same way their first bout at ONE: Age of Domination in the Philippines in 2016 went down.
The two flyweights will cross paths again at ONE: Masters of Fate this Friday, November 8, at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. The Finnish athlete now looks to silence the Filipino crowd for a second time.
“I expect the same conclusion, but I am prepared for anything and we will fight as long as we have to get that,” Tauru said.
“It’s Geje’s backyard, and fans will be rooting for him hard. I will be the outsider and underdog, but that has always been the place where I shine most.”
Eustaquio has come a long way since his loss to Tauru, winning the ONE Flyweight World Title from Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes at ONE: Pinnacle of Power in 2018.
“Dynamite” acknowledges Eustaquio’s improvements, and he does not expect the win to be as breezy as the first time.
“His grappling and takedown defense is probably better now, as it should be. I believe he has been working on his weaker sides,” Tauru said.
He’s also wary of the 30-year-old Filipino’s striking, though at the end of the day he is confident he has more to give in the rematch.
“He is fast with his hands. I have to be ready for that. Also, he has nice, powerful kicks to watch out for. Otherwise, I think I have more weapons in our clash,” the Finn said.
Tauru is excited to be back in the Philippines and compete against one of the best the country has to offer.
But he will set those pleasantries aside as he looks to end an alarming three-match slide and get his first win this year.
“I’m happy to meet with Team Lakay once again. I have big respect for them. They have done a great job as a mixed martial arts team,” Tauru said.
“It is a fight that I have to win — not to show others that I still have it, but to show myself that I can still fight against the very best in the game. I’m very determined to win.”
ONE Championship returns to Manila for one last time this year with ONE: Masters of Fate this Friday, November 8, at the Mall Of Asia Arena.
Get your tickets here and use the code “onewarrior” for a 20-percent discount.
Or catch all the action by downloading the ONE Super App.
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Pacio Vs. Catalan, Plus Folayang And Stamp Return At ONE: MASTERS OF FATE
Geje Eustaquio Wants To Mold The Next Generation Of Filipino World Champions
