MMA: No such thing as age for Rene Catalan in ONE title challenge
MIXED martial arts veteran Rene Catalan remains unfazed despite being considered as an "underdog" ahead of his title tiff with the more recognizable ONE strawweight champion Joshua Pacio.
The veteran Catalan said that opportunities such as this are hard to come by and he will not let his chance at glory slip at Mall of Asia Arena, when he takes on Pacio in the main event of ONE: Masters of Fate on Nov. 8.
“I’m 100% focused on getting this belt,” Catalan said.
For him, it presents a shot at realizing a lifelong dream.
“Joshua Pacio is only human,” Catalan, 40, said.
“Just like every other fighter, he has his strengths and weaknesses. We’re going to try and deal with that in the fight. It all comes down to the game plan we have heading into this. It’s going to be an exciting contest.”
Catalan is proud to represent his home country on the global stage of the competition, after doing so in wushu as an amateur and continuing as an MMA professional.
“I’ve worn the flag for most of my athletic career, and I have always considered it a privilege. Through competing, I aim to show everyone the principles of martial arts. I am not just fighting for my team, but also for the glory of my almighty God,” he said.
With both him and Pacio being wushu striking specialists, Catalan said he believes that this encounter will be brief.
“Given our styles, it’s not hard to predict this fight will end within the distance,” Catalan concluded.
“But I’m training and preparing to go all five rounds to win a decision if necessary. As a fighter, you have to be prepared for all scenarios.” ABS-CBN News