Rene Catalan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Filipino Rene Catalan stakes his fight streak on the line in his toughest challenge yet against former ONE strawweight champion Yoshitaka Naito in ONE: Reign of Valor on March 8 at Thuwunnna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.
Catalan, who has been on a resurgence after starting his ONE Championship campaign with two losses and one no contest, is currently 5-0 in his last five bouts.
The bemedalled Wushu specialist aims to keep his winning trend going.
“I am looking to showcase my best form yet against Naito, a former World Champion,” said the 2006 Asian Games gold medallist.
“Our focus in training is how to stop his takedown attempts. Naito will surely want this fight on the ground, it is my job to make sure he doesn’t get a submission when we are on the mat.”
Catalan remains unfazed by the daunting task of facing Naito (13-2), who has beaten former world champions including Team Lakay’s Joshua Pacio, Thailand’s Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke and Brazilian Alex Silva.
The 40-year-old Catalan believes he is primed for a world title shot.
“Fans can expect a strong performance from me on fight night. I am hungry to challenge for the ONE strawweight world title.”