PHOTO FROM ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
Gina Iniong’s upcoming fight isn’t going to like her previous ones.
Iniong returns to the ONE Championship cage on Saturday against undefeated Jihin Radzuan in ONE: Clash of Legends at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, in a bout she dedicates to her family particularly her mother, who has been diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
“When we found out about her condition, we were all shocked. We were so clueless. Next thing we know, it’s already in stage 5,” said Iniong.
“My mother didn’t want to go to the hospital even though she felt ill. It was only when my older sister noticed swelling [all] over her body that we were able to bring her to the hospital.”
Iniong may be a mixed martial artist but she is a daughter first and she’s currently balancing her time preparing against Radzuan and taking care of her mother.
“When we found out, the advice of the doctor was to undergo dialysis. We provided her with everything she needs. We’re working hand in hand for her,” the Team Lakay member said.
“She knows that we love her. We’re not the type of family to always say, ‘Ma, I love you,’ but we’re always here for each other. We know that no matter the hardships we go through, the whole family will be there to support you. That’s how we show our love.”
Iniong hopes to get a world title shot down the road but her main focus right now is to get past Radzuan and win for her family more than anything.
“This upcoming fight, this is for my family.”