Photo from ONE Championship
Born and raised in Ukraine, ONE Championship light heavyweight fighter Igor Subora has found a home 5,580 miles away from his birthplace.
Subora fell in love with the beauty of the Philippines the moment he first visited the country in 2007.
Permanently residing in the Philippines has also opened a lot of opportunities for Subora.
“The Philippines is my home away from home. It’s a beautiful country. I met my wife here. I also started my MMA career in this country. I am grateful for everything that this country has given me. To me, it’s an honor representing the Philippines in my international fights,” he stated.
The 36-year-old Subora is set to return to action on Jan. 14 when he makes his light heavyweight debut against Egyptian Sherif “The Shark” Mohamed in the undercard of ONE: Quest for Power in Jakarta, Indonesia.
“I am excited to get back in the cage and showcase my newly-acquired skills. The world will see the new Igor Subora. I don’t know if my opponent is ready for what I am bringing on fight night,” Subora said.
A Ukrainian flag might be on his back as he walks to the cage on fight night, but Subora makes sure to have Philippine insignia on his gear.
Subora wraps a small Philippine flag around his head as a gesture of appreciation to the nation that gave him a chance to strut his stuff.
According to Subora, the Philippine MMA industry played a major role in his professional career and to where he is now.
“The Philippine MMA scene had an important role in my career. I am forever thankful for that. Even though I am Ukrainian, I also represent the Philippines every time I step inside the cage,” he stressed.