MANILA, Philippines—Things are starting to fall into place for up-and-coming Filipino Ramon Gonzales after a tough start to his campaign in ONE Championship.
Gonzales dropped his first two assignments but he has been on a resurgence as of late.
And just recently, Gonzales got his big break after being slated to fight in ONE Championship’s Manila card in ONE: Roots of Honor on April 12.
“This is the first time to be part of a Manila card and I’m very excited to copete in front of my countrymen,” he said.
“I’m very happy to get back to the ONE Championship stage to continue where I left off and showcase my talent.”
Gonzales is raring to go and strut his wares before a hometown crowd as he meets Akihiro Fujisawa of Japan in the cage.
“I’m a more improved athlete now. I’ll be ready for whatever strategy he will impose when we face each other at the center of the cage,” he shared.
“I will display everything we worked inside the gym and I’ll make sure that my hand will be raised again in front of my countrymen.”
But beating Fujisawa is definitely easier said than done.
Gonzales will be tested against Fujisawa, who has yet to be beaten after five fights.
“Fujisawa is a great fighter and I’m aware of the challenge that I’ll be facing on the 12th of April, but I’m confident in my skills,” he stated.
“This is another great opportunity for me to show everyone that I’m improving as an athlete. I respect Fujisawa as a mixed martial arts competitor, but I’m here to solidify my status as one of the best in the strawweight division”