Alex Silva eyes encore performance in rematch against Japanese rival

After fireworks erupted at the state-of-the-art SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines nearly a week ago, ONE Championship shifts focus immediately to its next blockbuster event in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 May. Taking place at the Jakarta Convention Center, ONE: GRIT AND GLORY features a highly-anticipated strawweight championship rematch between newly-minted division kingpin Alex Silva and Yoshitaka Naito as its headliner. Both men initially crossed paths this past December when Silva shocked the world by dethroning Naito for the ONE Strawweight World Championship by unanimous decision. “I was very emotional and excited. I talked to my cornermen after every round, and they said I was doing okay and doing good, so I was pretty confident I would be the winner. I was very emotional and happy by the time they announced my name as the winner,” Silva recalled.

Silva wrapped the coveted gold-plated strap around his waist following a dominant striking performance, unveiling a new dimension to his evolving skillset by putting together dynamic combinations. Figuring in an offensive clinic against his Japanese counterpart, Silva overwhelmed Naito from the beginning of the bout, peppering his opponent with lashing leg kicks and rocking right hands. Although Silva had the upper hand in the first three rounds of the championship clash, he had to overcome a spirited performance from Naito, who did his best effort to wear down the Brazilian challenger in the last two periods of the contest. Relying on his exquisite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, Silva managed to defend Naito’s grappling advances to walk out of the Impact Arena with the unanimous decision victory and the prestigious ONE Strawweight World Championship in his possession. “I am very happy about my performance because people usually see me as a grappling guy. I know my skills, and I know I can strike. Because I was competing in Thailand, I wanted to put on a good show for people, so I came up with this plan to strike with him,” Silva bared. “I was having fun with my striking. I would just keep all the rounds striking. I wanted to show I could strike. I think it is going to be good for my future. I want people to see I am more than just a grappler. I want people to see I am a complete martial artist,” he added.

The 35-year-old submission specialist from Brazil seeks to accomplish an encore performance against Naito, who has been handed a golden opportunity to win back the title he once called his and against the only man to ever defeat him. “He was the champion for a good reason. He is tough as nails. Giving up is not his style. But with all due respect, I am determined to keep my belt. I am confident of my skills. My martial arts, my grappling, my conditioning – all of that makes me confident,” Silva stated. Silva respects his opponent’s skillset and is quick to offer that Natio’s ground game remains as his best attribute. “I can’t be complacent against Yoshitaka Naito. He has a great ground game. Plus, he has a big heart. Even I if I won the first encounter, this match on May 12th is going to be a tough one,” he explained.” As he expects another tough encounter with Naito at ONE: GRIT AND GLORY, Silva seeks to take his championship stature to the next level. “I do not want to just be the world champion. I want to be the best ever in this division. I work hard, I have the discipline, and I have everything on my side to do it. I have a good team around me, I have the dedication, I have the skills, and I am hungry. So that is my new goal, to become the best athlete to ever compete in this division,” he ended. For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Filipino Boxer Michael "Gloves on Fire" Dasmarinas Wins IBO Bantamweight World Title at Ringstar's 'Roar of Singapore IV'

Ringstar Boxing, Asia’s fastest growing sports media property, which has now reached an overwhelming broadcast footprint of over a potential billion viewers across the globe, just had its very successful ‘Roar of Singapore IV - The Night of Champions’, held last weekend at the 10,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The fight was also aired live in different parts of the world, via Fight Sports and Fox Sports Asia.

Filipino boxer Michael “Gloves on Fire” Dasmarinas, won the IBO Bantamweight world title, after stunning Frenchman Karim Guerfi with a knock out, 40 seconds into the 4th round of what was supposed to be a 12-round bout.

The 25-year old Camarines Sur native, had a month-long training in Japan to prepare him for the world title fight.

According to boxing analyst Mike Ochosa, “They say that a big puncher will always have an advantage in a boxing match, and in every round, that’s what Mike approved. Karim did the right thing and engaged Mike from the beginning.  The Frenchman showed that his hands were ready to be thrown. He was throwing a lot of punches and trying to outbox and smother Dasmarinas.  But that also is a very big risk for Karim.  And in the fourth round he found out just how dangerous his plan was.  He kept on engaging the Filipino and put himself at risk.  Mike on the other hand, at the start of round two, started to focus on body shots which forced the Frenchman to bring down his defense.  And at the most opportune time in the fourth round Mike unleashed a straight left which dropped the Frenchman.”

Dasmarinas says, “Talagang thankful ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin, lalo na ang Ringstar at si Scott Farrell, na nagtiwala sa kakayahan ko, kahit sinabing underdog ako.  Pero mas gusto ko yun na underdog ako para di ako ma-pressure masyado.  Yun pagkapanalo ko na knock out, di ko ine-expect na tatamaan siya na ganoon.  In-expect ko mananalo ako ng knock-out pero di ko inakala na ganon kaaga.”

(I am thankful to everyone who has helped me, specially Ringstar and Scott Farrell, who trusted in my capabilities, even though I’ve been called an underdog.  But I prefer being called an underdog, so I wouldn’t feel that pressured.  With regard the knock out, I didn’t expect that I hit him that hard.  I expected that I will win by knock out, but didn’t think that I will knock him out that early.”

Ringstar Founder and CEO Scott Farrell says, “Ringstar, now has its first world champion with Michael Dasmarinas.  We will now build on this victory with more exciting fights and you will see him with more world title belts, being added to his collection very soon.”

Singaporean boxer Muhamad “The Chosen Wan” Ridhwan, on the other hand, stayed undefeated, now 10-0, and took home the IBO Intercontinental Featherweight Title that night.  He faced Filipino boxer Jeson Umbal, in a 12-round bout, which the audience saw as a close fight.  The scorecard went in favour of Ridhwan, which saw these numbers, 112-116, 114-115, and 111-117.  

Boxing analyst Mike Ochosa says, “It was very clear that the Filipino was going to go for the knockout particularly at the beginning of the fight.  Ridhwan had to take all the power punches thrown by the Filipino in the beginning.  At the same time the Singaporean kept on boxing and moving, and jabbing Jeson.  Jeson from the beginning of the fight to the end was only banking on one thing, his power.  He was connecting with left treats and right hooks but unfortunately was not able to follow up any opportunity that he created for himself.  On the other hand, Ridhwan continued his strategy of mixing it up with Jeson, with jab hooks.  The fight was simply about a boxer with a plan he implemented well, versus a boxer who just wanted to engage in and the fight with one power shot.”

Ringstar Founder and CEO Scott Farrell says, “Ridhwan has proven to the world that he is legitimate and a true world title contender.  He is everything, I have been telling you he is, and now the doubters are silenced…. A World title fight is next!”

*This is Press Release

Proving doubters wrong is Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol’s specialty

Over the past decade, women’s mixed martial arts rose from relative obscurity to noticeable heights that many could not fathom in such a short span of time.

The once male-dominated sport has been infiltrated by women equipped with equal prowess to engage in high-testosterone action, at times even with more gusto than their male counterparts.

After years of being told that they “just weren’t good enough” and that there “wasn’t enough girls to form a legitimate bracket”, women are finally gracing the biggest stage of the sport.

Despite the rise to prominence of female competitors from different parts of the globe, many households in Asia still keep a conservative stance in viewing women as part of the constantly-evolving sport.

When Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol tells her friends or neighbors about how she makes a living, she gets more than a few quizzical looks.

Some are legitimately thrilled about her professional martial arts career, but many more, like her family members, believe that she should quit.

“Some friends are excited. But some just have questions like, ‘When will you stop? It is better to get another job rather than competing, because of your age.’ My family is very concerned for my safety,” she bared.

Gaol has been battling negative reputation of women’s participation in combat sports since she started training various striking disciplines such as kickboxing and Wushu at a young age.

Even though she brought home pride and glory to her country by becoming an international Wushu champion, the aforementioned undesirable perception had not left her.

Directing her career path to mixed martial arts over a year ago, Gaol explained that seeing a woman succeed in a sport wholly dominated by men for the past 25 years is just an example of what is possible.

“I would like to continue this campaign for everyone who doesn't understand the beauty of this sport. Martial arts is not about fighting. Its real aim is to empower both men and women. We’ve already seen what women can do inside the cage or ring. It’s a high time to unleash our full potential in this sport,” she asserted.

While it has declined inch-by-inch, Gaol pointed out that women’s role in mixed martial arts still needs to be consistently promoted and encouraged for the stigma to totally diminish.

“It needs more opportunity. I think that there are young girls who are probably interested in getting into it, and we need support from men and women to encourage and let them go to the gym,” she conveyed.

After going through a shaky start in ONE Championship, Gaol is in now making a name as an atomweight contender in the organization.

The 29-year-old native of Jakarta, Indonesia has won two-straight matches, defeating Audreylaura Boniface via first-round stoppage last January before submitting Filipina newcomer Krisna Limbaga a month later.

“When you have been through failure, you will have more confidence next time,” she said. “I am not the type of person who lacks a view of the future. Some people will lose the ability to fight once they lose, but I do not.”

“Once I fail, it gives me a different view of myself. It is like a mirror, where I can see clearly about many things, and I think that has made me a stronger person,” Gaol added.

Gaol looks to keep the momentum rolling as she is slated to square off with Filipina standout Rome Trinidad on the undercard of ONE: GRIT AND GLORY, which is set for 12 May at the Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia.

Despite having the momentum going into her next assignment, she remains on her toes to bring her “A” game each and every time she sets foot inside the cage.

“I always learn from a loss,” she reflected. “Losing is a bitter pill, but it can be our best friend sometimes. It makes us feel bad, but at the same time, it lets us know what to do next time, so we can be better.”

There is plenty of ambition fueling her grind, including a shot at the coveted ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship.

Although Gaol acknowledges that it will take more time and more experience to achieve her dream, she seeks to exemplify the utmost confidence of a woman on a global stage at ONE: GRIT AND GLORY.

“I love it when I defy odds and prove my doubters wrongs. I am here for a reason. Someday, I will be a world champion. And I will use that platform to create more opportunities for women and my countrymen,” she concluded.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

*This is Press Release

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao sees ONE Super Series as opportunity to continue legendary career

Revered by many for the incredible speed, power and precision behind all his strikes, celebrated Thai kickboxer Nong-O Gaiyanghadao will venture into new territory to reignite his illustrious career.

Once considered as one of the best pound-for-pound competitors in the world of Muay Thai, Gaiyanghadao will make his debut under the ONE Championship banner on 20 April as part of the much-awaited ONE Super Series.

ONE Super Series is a celebration of the world’s most effective striking arts and invites the very best martial artists from Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, wushu, sanda, and more to showcase their skills on the ONE Championship stage.

Gaiyanghadao is scheduled to duke it out with French-Italian dynamo Fabio Pinca on the undercard of ONE: HEROES OF HONOR, which takes place at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

The 31-year-old native of Sakon Nakhon, Thailand believes that by joining the promotion’s ONE Super Series, it opens a new chapter in his professional kickboxing stint.

“It’s a new beginning for me. You can say that it’s a breath of fresh air for my career as an athlete. I am excited to be in this new journey. I hope everything will turn our great for me as part of the growing ONE Championship roster,” he said.

Gaiyanghadao was last seen in action when he yielded to Chamuaktong Sor Yupinda by decision at Bangkok’s famous Rajadamnern Stadium in April 2015.

Despite sitting on the sidelines for three years, Gaiyanghadao stressed that his best days as a professional kickboxer are not yet over.

“I’m just 31 years old. I still have the drive to compete. What I have here is a good opportunity to start fresh and remind everyone what I am capable of,” he stated.

Gaiyanghadao, who represents Singapore’s Evolve MMA, has reached the apex of Muay Thai, becoming a five-division world champion in the sport.

In his trophy room, Gaiyanghadao has a long list of accolades, including the coveted Lumpinee Muay Thai world championship, the prestigious Rajadamnern Muay Thai title, and the “Fighter of the Year” citation.

“It has been three years since the last time that I fought. I am looking forward to put on a great performance. I have been training hard and going through strategies. I hope to give my 110 percent in Manila. I am coming to win,” Gaiyanghadao guaranteed.

The man standing in Gaiyanghadao’s re-entry to the winner’s column is Pinca, a highly-decorated kickboxer known for his technical and precise offensive style.

Hailing from Saint-Fons, France, Pinca has become one of Europe’s most well-respected Muay Thai practitioners as he is a two-time WBC World Muay Thai champion and even owns a Rajadamnern Stadium world title.

The 33-year-old Frenchman is bringing his talents to ONE Championship, where he will look to defeat a living legend in Gaiyanghadao .

“To tell you honestly, I am in a very tough fight. It’s nerve-wracking in a sense, but I am ready to accept the challenge,” Gaiyanghadao said about the marquee match-up against Pinca.

Although he already had career-defining moments in 310 professional bouts, Gaiyanghadao treats his maiden ONE Championship appearance as the most significant one because it could catapult him back to the kickboxing limelight.

“I am looking for a statement win this time around. This bout could bring me back to the top. I want a big win. Knocking him out will be an accomplishment because he is a good fighter and a tough opponent. You will all see,” he ended.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship. ​

ColorManila: Dagupan City, Register Now for ColorManila's Exciting CM Glitter Run Taking Place

Dagupan is also one of ColorManila’s biggest markets, with one of its events having a sold-out event with 3,000 runners previously.  

Jeto Seen, Marketing Manager of CSI Malls says, “Because of our partnership with ColorManila, we are able to bring these kinds of events, to our region.  ColorManila has been our partner, and has helped us bring lifestyle events in our community.”

Justine Cordero, VP of ColorManila says, “We are glad to be back in Dagupan City and to be working again with our partner, CSI Malls.  We would like the residents of Dagupan City and the neighbouring provinces to take part and experience CM Glitter Run, which is one of our exciting franchises.”

CM Glitter Run - Dagupan will have three (3) race distances as well, 3K, 5K and 10K, with 3 race kits to choose from, Deluxe, Rockstar and Superstar Kit.

The Deluxe Kit, comes with a dri-fit shirt, race bib, color packet, and a finisher’s medal.

The Rockstar Kit, comes with a dri-fit shirt, race bib, sunglasses, drawstring bag, headwear, color packet and a finisher’s medal.

While CM Glitter Run’s Superstar Kit, comes with a dri-fit shirt, race bib, sunglasses, two (2) drawstring bags, headwear, color packet, finisher’s medal and a foldable water bottle. 

Registration is still ongoing for both the CM Glitter Run Dagupan.  For more information, visit www.colormanila.com.

***

ABOUT COLORMANILA

ColorManila encourages everyone to run, and to illustrate to non-runners how enjoyable the sport is, we bring out the real fun in the ‘fun’ run, through a color festival.  We are the paintbrushes, and You are the Paint. We carry the palette but You make your own Strokes. You become the human canvas, as we literally bring out your most energetic and happiest hue.

You are the Color, the human Canvas. You are the bits and pieces of this kaleidoscope. Because life is not a competition. Rather, it is a race where you run at your own pace, where you throw high-fives to people, where you carry all the colors of your experiences. We make this as the most exciting fun run ever, that you’d want to do it over and over again. We want to give you that unique kaleidoscope experience every time!


Visit www.colormanila.com for more information.

ONE Super Series spotlight: Best from the West collides with best from the East in main event

ONE Championship is heading back to the Philippines for the 13th time on 20 April with a historic live event in the heart of Manila.

The promotion will hold ONE: HEROES OF HONOR at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Not only will the blockbuster card feature familiar matches under ONE Championship’s Global Rule Set, but it also marks the debut of the ONE Super Series, which features the world’s very best strikers in action.

ONE Championship has been staging the world’s best martial arts action for the past six and a half years, and now the organization is introducing a new global league specially for elite strikers.

“The absolute best strikers in the world have chosen to continue their professional careers under the ONE Championship banner. Fans will be treated to the most exciting striking matches where the best face the best inside of both our ring and our cage,” ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong stated.

In the debut of its five-rope ring on 20 April, ONE Championship has booked a trio of much-awaited striking-only contests, including the marquee match-up between Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan and “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut.

The 32-year-old Italian’s name carries a special weight to kickboxing fans as for four years, Petrosyan was the undeniable pound-for-pound king of the sport.

Nicknamed "The Doctor” for his supreme technical skills, ring generalship and defensive prowess which has seen him defeat some of the best strikers in the world while taking little-to-no damage, Petrosyan has been lacing up the gloves since he was 16 years of age.

Over the course of a stellar kickboxing career, Petrosyan has amassed a phenomenal record of 85-2-2 (2 NC) and is famed for his six-year, 42-bout winning streak.

From 2009 to 2013, Petrosyan established himself as the world's top middleweight with two consecutive K-1 World MAX World Championship tournament titles.

Following It's Showtime and K-1's demise, Petrosyan then joined Glory in 2012 and further cemented his place as the best 154-pound kickboxer by winning the Glory 2012 Lightweight Slam tourney.

Petrosyan returns to the international kickboxing spotlight as he makes his debut for the ONE Super Series on 20 April.

"When I step into the ring, I always want to win. I always focus on the quality of opponent that I will face. In this case, I can tell you that you will see a Giorgio Petrosyan different than usual," Petrosyan guaranteed.

The man standing in Petrosyan’s way to claim his 86th career victory is Nattawut, who rose to stardom with his powerful elbow and knee strikes.

A former Lion Fight and WMC super welterweight titleholder, Nattawut has a similarly impressive record of 60-11-2.

The 27-year-old Thai dynamo is keen on making an instant impact in the ONE Super Series with a convincing triumph over the Italian kickboxing superstar in their 70-kilogram tussle.

“I am ready to face any opponent inside that ring. I have nothing to say to Giorgio Petrosyan. On April 20, I will be in the ring to give the answers, using my fists and kicks," Nattawut stressed.

Sityodtong described the in-ring encounter between Petrosyan and Nattawut at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR as a collision between two highly-decorated kickboxers from different sides of the globe.

“It’s the best facing the best on the 20th of April in Manila. The world’s pound-for-pound king takes on an international rising superstar from Asia. There are too many angles and stories to make specifically for this bout. It is only fitting to have this match-up as the headliner of the first ONE Super Series,” he said.

​​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.​ ​

*This is Press Release