ONE: Geje Eustaquio still dreaming of becoming world champion again

Team Lakay’s Geje Eustaquio. Photo from ONE Championship

MANILA, Philippines–Geje Eustaquio remembers the feeling like it was only yesterday, so it didn’t take too long for him to reach for a response when asked about his immediate goals in mixed martial arts career.

“To be very honest, it’s still in my heart, in my head—the dream of becoming a World Champion one more time,” the Team Lakay standout told the Inquirer.

Eustaquio won the ONE’s interim flyweight crown back on Jan. 26, 2018, and then became the undisputed ruler of the weight class after taking down jiujitsu whiz Adriano Moraes six months later.

The last time Eustaquio entered the fight circle was in November 2020, but the soft-spoken striker still believes he remains relevant.

“I’m training every day. Plus, despite seeing our competitions thin out (due to the pandemic), we had a blessing in disguise. We’ve got a project that kept us from being stuck,” he said.

Eustaquio (14-8-0) was referring to the One Warrior Series (OWS), a reality show the Asian promotion is using to determine the newest fight prospect from the Philippines.

“It’s a big privilege to learn again. Everyone thinks that here with the OWS, we’re the ones doing all the mentoring and teaching, but for us, we really see this as a two-way process. A vice-versa thing,” he said.

The chance to learn, relearn and un-learn some old habits has given the 33-year-old Eustaquio a boost, believing that another crack at the title is just around the corner.

“I have two straight wins. Perhaps one more qualifies me for a title shot,” he said.

Eustaquio could very well get that match when the promotion returns to the Philippines this Dec. 3. There, his teammate Joshua Pacio is defending his strawweight strap against the tough-talking UFC veteran Jared Brooks.

ONE has yet to fully release the card, but as far as traditions go, a bevy of Filipinos are shaping up to appear on the revelries scheduled at Mall of Asia Arena.

Eustaquio, optimistic about a call-up, assured that he will be treating fans if he ever gets a chance.

“When I come back, expect me to become more explosive and a smarter fighter,” he said.