Robin Catalan eyes KO win over hometown bet in ONE Jakarta card

Robin Catalan. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Robin Catalan hopes to build on to his decent campaign in 2018 this year beginning on Saturday against Indonesian bet Stefer Rahardian in ONE: Eternal Glory in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Catalan (8-4) went 2-1 last year and he’s looking to open the new year with a bang.

“I think there’s equal amount of pressure for the both of us,” Catalan said. “I just need to follow the game plan that we have. I’m hoping to win by knockout this time around.”

The 28-year-old Catalan also said one of his goals this year is to be a more well-rounded fighter.

“I still want to improve my grappling and wrestling,” said Catalan. “Those are areas that we, as a team, feel that we lack, so that would be our focus for the year.”

Rahardian, meanwhile, wants no more than to snap out of his funk, having lost his last two fights.

But he knows it won’t be easy with a determined Catalan standing in his way.

“We have always been training to utilize all aspects needed in mixed martial arts, whoever the opponent is. We prepare ourselves to be in any type of position – good or bad, as we do not train based solely on our analysis of our opponent,” said Rahardian.

“However, I am familiar with his strengths, which are in his technique. He is one of the well-rounded athletes on ONE Championship’s roster.”