ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jackie Buntan was long considered the lone fighter with Filipino heritage to compete and win fights in the all-striking side of the promotion.
Not anymore, and Buntan is ecstatic.
Joining Buntan in the league of elite strikers is Pinay Muay Thai fighter Islay Erika Bomogao, who has become the second fighter from the Philippines to earn a ONE Championship main roster contract from the ONE Friday Fights circuit.
READ: Islay Erika Bomogao stays active after postponement of OFF return
"It's great to see another young Filipina making her mark in ONE," Buntan said.
"It's a powerful reminder that we're on the rise, and it makes me proud to see our talent and determination being recognized on such a big stage."
Bomogao quickly impressed in ONE Championship with two dominant wins in Muay Thai last year, and she's expected to carry the banner for homegrown strikers in the promotion moving forward.
After beating Fuu in her debut, Bomogao followed up by dominating Chinese striker Ran Longshu, which eventually earned her a main roster contract to compete in ONE Championship.
While she still needs to build muscle and put on weight to compete in the atomweight striking division, Bomogao is on the right track.
Already, the 24-year-old has built a solid following not only in the Philippines but in neighboring countries as well, like Thailand and Myanmar.
More importantly, Bomogao is putting the spotlight on Muay Thai in the Philippines — a sport that's often overlooked compared to boxing and mixed martial arts in the country.
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