Winning ONE world title won’t change Rene Catalan’s ways

Photo from ONE Championship

MANILA, Philippines — The nickname “D’ Challenger” isn’t just a moniker for Filipino warrior Rene Catalan, but a code he lives by.

Catalan has won several gold medals, including the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games. His MMA career has flourished as well having won his last six fights in impressive fashion and yet, he’s kept his foot planted on the ground.

On Friday, Catalan fights for the ONE stawweight world title for the first time against compatriot Joshua Pacio in the main event of ONE: Masters of Fate at Mall of Asia Arena.

And even if he beats Pacio to become a world champion, Catalan doesn’t plan on making any changes.

“I told myself, no matter how many times I become a world champion I’m still going to see myself as a challenger,” Catalan said in Filipino Tuesday after an open workout at Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque. “That’s what ‘Challenger’ means to me.”

Being a challenger, drives Catalan to strive for more as it reminds him to never be satisfied.

“I’m not going to refer myself as a champion. I still want to reach greater heights and accomplish more in life. Even if I become a 10-time world champion I still want to be a challenger,” he stressed.

“To me, challenger means always be humble and not be boastful like a world champion.”