New ONE Championship member Lito Adiwang of Team Lakay. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Lito Adiwang hopes to create a lasting impression when he makes his debut in the main roster of ONE Championship next month.
His arrival at ONE is just in time for The Home of Martial Arts’ grandest show in ONE: Century on October 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
Adiwang also has a stiff challenge in front of him in Pancrase flyweight world champion Senzo Ikeda.
“Of course there’s pressure. It’s ONE’s biggest event, and it’s my opponent’s hometown so there’s definitely pressure,” he admitted.
“But as days go by, it slowly dissipates. I’m beginning to focus on what I need to do, and I definitely won’t be affected with his hometown advantage.”
The 26-year-old Adiwang expects nothing less from the hard-hitting Ikeda.
“We’re not really fixated on [Ikeda’s strengths]. Our focus is on how I’ll be putting pressure on my opponent and how I’ll impose my game,” the Team Lakay product said.
“We expect his power. He’s heavier, so the strategy is putting as much pressure on him in the fight.”
Adiwang beat Anthony Do at Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series 7 last month and earned a lucrative six-digit contract after going 4-0 in the developmental league.
He looks to continue his winning ways.
“Fans can expect an explosive and thunderous Adiwang,” he said.
“I’ll give everything cause it’s my debut. I will give my best and impress them. I want to give back to the fans by putting on a good show.”