MMA: Bomogao embraces pressure ahead ONE Championship return | ABS-CBN

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MMA: Bomogao embraces pressure ahead ONE Championship return
MMA: Bomogao embraces pressure ahead ONE Championship return
ABS-CBN News
Published Mar 27, 2025 05:58 PM PHT

Filipina fighter Islay Bomogao. Handout/ONE Championship

MANILA -- Filipina rising star Islay Erika Bomogao is looking to prove her worth when she returns to action tomorrow at ONE Friday Fights 102 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
MANILA -- Filipina rising star Islay Erika Bomogao is looking to prove her worth when she returns to action tomorrow at ONE Friday Fights 102 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
There, Bomogao will take Nerea Rubio in a 103-pound Muay Thai clash in the featured bout.
There, Bomogao will take Nerea Rubio in a 103-pound Muay Thai clash in the featured bout.
The 24-year-old has secured an outright contract after just two fights in ONE Championship, in a display of trust in the Filipina's potential.
The 24-year-old has secured an outright contract after just two fights in ONE Championship, in a display of trust in the Filipina's potential.
Being the fastest fighter from the Philippines to earn an outright contract certainly brings higher expectations, but Bomogao insists that she's up to the challenge — thanks to her experience in competition and her strong support system.
Being the fastest fighter from the Philippines to earn an outright contract certainly brings higher expectations, but Bomogao insists that she's up to the challenge — thanks to her experience in competition and her strong support system.
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"Being an athlete for years, I've been through a lot already. So pressure is something I know how to handle well," she said. "I've got an amazing team and family who constantly remind me of my potential and to just focus."
"Being an athlete for years, I've been through a lot already. So pressure is something I know how to handle well," she said. "I've got an amazing team and family who constantly remind me of my potential and to just focus."
Bomogao has been impressive in her first two bouts in the promotion, securing dominant unanimous decision victories over Japan's Fuu and China's Ran Longshu.
Bomogao has been impressive in her first two bouts in the promotion, securing dominant unanimous decision victories over Japan's Fuu and China's Ran Longshu.
In those fights, Bomogao showcased her "Pinoy Style" Muay Thai — dancing around opponents gracefully while throwing unpredictable shots from time to time.
In those fights, Bomogao showcased her "Pinoy Style" Muay Thai — dancing around opponents gracefully while throwing unpredictable shots from time to time.
The exciting part for Filipino fans is that Bomogao still hasn't reached her full potential yet, and she's confident she's getting there.
The exciting part for Filipino fans is that Bomogao still hasn't reached her full potential yet, and she's confident she's getting there.
"I'm honestly still getting the hang of it. I've been playing amateur for years and so the transition to pro is quite challenging," she said. "However, with every fight, I'm able to adjust, adjust, adjust and improve."
"I'm honestly still getting the hang of it. I've been playing amateur for years and so the transition to pro is quite challenging," she said. "However, with every fight, I'm able to adjust, adjust, adjust and improve."
With that in mind, the Team Bagsik representative hopes to demonstrate that improvement in her upcoming fight, with an eye on securing her first finish in the promotion.
With that in mind, the Team Bagsik representative hopes to demonstrate that improvement in her upcoming fight, with an eye on securing her first finish in the promotion.
"My goal is to just execute our game plan from round one to three,” she said. "But when I get the chance to finish her, I will."
"My goal is to just execute our game plan from round one to three,” she said. "But when I get the chance to finish her, I will."
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