Just
a few days ahead of ONE Championship’s annual year-end show in
Manila, Philippines, Filipino Mixed Martial Arts superstars Brandon
“The Truth” Vera, Mark “Mugen” Striegl and Ana “Hurricane”
Julaton appeared at the KMA Fitness Gym in Makati to showcase their
skills to invited media in an ‘open workout.’
The
trio will represent the Philippines, along with a posse of local
fighters, at ONE: SPIRIT OF CHAMPIONS, which takes place Friday,
December 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“I
just can’t wait to kick his ass,” said Vera, who will be
competing for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight World Championship
against former English pro-basketball player, Chi “Chopper”
Lewis-Parry.
“I’ve
never been in shape like this. I’ve never been this big and my body
fat has never been this low. My cardio’s never been this high. My
confidence is through the roof with this,” Vera added.
“You
need to train 1000% all the time -- 500% training and the other 500%
you need to take care of your body.”
The
life of a fighter is a long and arduous one, with countless nights
spent in a sweltering gym, wailing away at leather, honing a craft
that will be ultimately responsible for either victory or defeat.
Yet
for a veteran like Vera, it’s something that simply comes second
nature to him.
Across
the spectrum sits bantamweight standout, Mark Striegl, who is one of
the most talented fighters in his division. Striegl too is of
Filipino origins and calls the Philippines his home.
Striegl
is coming off a huge win over the highly-regarded Casey Suire last
April, and owns a 14-1 record going into Friday night’s
matchup.
He
takes on Reece McLaren (7-3) of Queensland, Australia.
“To
be fighting for ONE in the Philippines is a dream come true for me,”
said Striegl. “My opponent is a champion from Australia and I know
he is a tough one.”
Striegl
now lives and trains in Singapore as a member of the Evolve Fight
Team, where he works out with various world champions in different
combat sports.
“I’ve
never been in a boring fight and I will always go for a knockout,”
Striegl added.
Among
the boys, stands a lone female warrior -- former boxing world
champion Ana “Hurricane” Julaton who makes her much anticipated
return to the ONE Cage.
Julaton
has been working tirelessly with legendary MMA coach Ricky Lundell in
Las Vegas, and by all accounts, fans are expected to see the best
version of Julaton yet.
“Everyone
has their own style, but I have my own style that I am comfortable
fighting with,” said Julaton.
“Anyone
who has been watching my first three fights can delete that image
because that’s not the same Ana anymore. I feel that time I was a
boxer stepping into MMA but now I am different.”
Julaton
had figured in two wins with one loss so far, since transitioning to
MMA. The move had been somewhat difficult as Julaton tried to adjust
to different fighting disciplines. Her work in Las Vegas however,
promises a new and improved Julaton, one that is ready to take the
MMA world by storm.
“I’m
used to going to a boxing gym, putting my shoes on. Now I have gotten
used to a new environment when I go to a wrestling gym.”
Vera,
Striegl and Julaton are ready, as are the fans, for an evening that
should be nothing short of spectacular.
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