IT has been two years since any Filipino fought in ONE Super Series.
But for Robin Catalan, it's only a matter of time before we see another compatriot try his luck against some of the world's best strikers.
"I know we haven’t seen a Filipino in ONE Super Series since Ryan Jakiri lost, but maybe we just have to build more on striking fundamentals," he said.
Jakiri remains as the lone Filipino to fight in ONE Super Series.
The SEA Games veteran bowed to Chinese foe Han Zi Hao in their October 2018 kickboxing showdown at ONE: Pursuit of Greatness in Yangon, Myanmar.
Since then, no one has ever tried his luck, with most Filipino fighters being placed in the regular ONE Championship bouts.
Catalan, though, is optimistic that those opportunities will come sooner than later.
"If we do those, maybe one day we’ll see more fighters in the Super Series," he said. "It won't be long."
Filipinos should be raring for those opportunities, especially with a card like ONE: No Surrender III filled with ONE Super Series bouts.
The main event will see Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort and Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai faceoff in the semifinals of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai tournament.
Awaiting the winner is Saemapetch Fairtex in the Finals, with a future shot at ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao up for grabs.
Expectedly, Filipino fighters are also keeping their eyes glued to their seats for this battle.
"I think Sangmanee will win this fight," said former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio. "I think he’s ripe for stardom and confidence plays a big role in each fight."
Geje Eustaquio goes for a kick to the body of Kim Kyu Sung.
Catalan agreed, although he factored in the unpredictability Kulabdam brings to the table being a virtual unknown for ONE Championship followers.
"I know Sangmanee is a very strong athlete and he’s very crafty in the ring, though I don’t know what to expect from Kulabdam," he said.
It's clear to both Eustaquio and Catalan, however, that this fight is truly a must-watch.
Aside from the main event, ONE: No Surrender III will also see a bevy of ONE Super Series contests: flyweight muay thai showdown beween Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy and Sok Thy; Wondergirl Fairtex and Brooke Farrell in a strawweight muay thai match; and Estonian Marie Ruumet taking on Japanese Little Tiger in an atomweight muay thai battle.
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