Fil-Indonesian Aziz Calim eyes ONE Manila debut despite Bangkok loss

Photo from ONE Championship

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino-Indonesian Aziz Calim has never been to the Philippines but he hopes to finally make his first visit and fight in front of his hometown crowd before the year ends.

ONE Championship is set to stage another show in Manila in November for ONE: Masters of Fate, an event Calim wishes to be included in.

“There’s still one event in Manila this November and I hope to be part of that card,” said Calim, who speaks fluent Filipino.

“I have Filipino blood, but I’ve never been to the Philippines, so that will be the best welcome party for me if my wish will be granted.”

The 21-year-old Calim is coming off a submission loss in the first round to Ryuto Sawada.

Calim, who was born in Saudi Arabia, lasted for only 69 seconds after getting caught with a rear-naked choke.

“The game plan was to keep the fight on the feet and make it a striking battle where I know I had an advantage, but unfortunately the match went to the ground,” Calim said.

“I was caught in a rear-naked choke. He was in mount and I was planning to escape, but my defense had holes. That’s why he was able to take my neck and execute the choke.”

Calim is raring to rebound and he knows it would be best if he gets to redeem himself in front of his fellow Filipinos and get in touch with his roots.