UFC’s Dodson proud of Filipino roots, wants to fight in Manila

UFC Bantamweight John Dodson. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Bantamweight John Dodson is hopeful to fill the gaps left by Mark Muñoz in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The Albuquerque, New Mexico native is in the country to hype the upcoming UFC Fight Night Manila in October and, at the same time, extend a hand to his fellowmen

“I want the people to know that I’m Filipino,” he said on Thursday as he kicked off his four-day Manila tour in a press conference at Maxim’s Hotel. “I want to make my mom proud everyday because I’m proud of my heritage.”

Dodson expressed his excitement to be in the homeland of his mother Sarah, as he hopes to further develop the Filipinos’ love for mixed martial arts.

“It’s amazing because I get a chance to see this wonderful country and meet these great people. I want to see the true fans of the sport and show why we should always come back here,” the bantamweight contender said.

The 31-year-old southpaw gave the media a slice of his Filipino personality, gleefully answering questions from the press as he shared his experience inside the Octagon.

Pressed on what would be the most Filipino thing about him, Dodson answered, “my fighting spirit.”

He also hopes to feel the resiliency and positivity of the Filipinos in his short stay in the country, an attitude he wants to imbibe when he goes back to the United States.

“I want to see the great attitude and lifestyle everyone is talking about so I can go and bring it back on how I live my life at home,” he said.

Dodson, however, hopes that this four-day trip would not be his last, as he wants to see action when the UFC returns to Mall of Asia Arena on October 15.

“Fingers crossed, I will be here bringing my mom and the whole family,” he said.

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