Lito Adiwang is living up to the hype

Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang celebrates his latest win. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines—In just a few fights, Lito Adiwang has shown why he’s one of the must-watch athletes in ONE Championship today.

The Filipino strawweight contender is primed to become one of the biggest names in the promotion, something which Rich Franklin saw from the get go.

Franklin, the ONE Championship Vice President, said he instantly fell in love with Adiwang’s prowess when the Team Lakay up-and-comer was still fighting in the Warrior Series.

“The moment I saw Lito perform, I knew he was something special,“ said Franklin, a former UFC middleweight World champion. “He’s the complete package, he has the power and the skill.”

“I knew he would move through the ranks quickly.”

Adiwang (11-2) has stopped 10 of his 11 opponents either by submission or knockout with his only decision win happening in Warrior Series 7 against Anthony Do.

Adiwang’s latest victim was title contender Pongsiri Mitsatit whom he submitted via Kimura 3:02 into the first round of their match in the ONE: Fire and Fury card last Jan. 31.

Mitsatit was the fourth fighter to tap out to Adiwang while the Baguio City native knocked out six of his opponents.

“We’re always looking for the best talent in the world,” said Franklin. “We want to give opportunity to those who believe can step onto the global stage and make an immediate impact.”

Adiwang, whose nickname is Thunder Kid, said he’s wiling to fight whoever ONE puts against him but former strawweight champion Yoshitaka Naito is on top of his list.

“I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me. I’m ready for the big fights,” said Adiwang. “But if there’s one man on my mind, it’s former champion Yoshitaka Naito. Now that would be a great challenge.”