ONE: Gonzales eyes ‘big opportunity’ vs Saputra

Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzales opens ONE: Roots of Honor on a high note. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Ramon Gonzales has yet to break into the top five of the flyweight rankings in ONE Championship, but he knows that an impressive win over Eko Roni Saputra could very well land him there.

Coming off a decision loss against Hexi Getu, Gonzales is eager to get back to the winning column and he already put a target on the streaking Saputra who has won his last three fights via stoppage.

“Anyone in this division (flyweight) is a legit contender. It’s a very deep division, one of the deepest in the promotion, and I also want to climb the ladder.”

Gonzales (4-3) was on a roll in the promotion submitting his opponents for a three-fight winning streak before that momentum met an abrupt end against Hexi in November of last year.

Saputra (3-1), meanwhile, is on a three-fight winning streak with all of his wins coming in the first round.

“I always train and prepare myself the same way. Either in the stand up or on the ground, I will give my best in every position the fight goes. If he wants to test his striking game, then I’m happy. If the fight goes to the ground, I will be ready as well,” said Gonzales who is set to face the Indonesian grappler Friday in ONE: Inside the Matrix II at Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“I am not a sports critique but Eko Roni performed well in his previous fights. He’s obviously a good wrestler, and I’ve prepared well for that.”

Gonzales said that stopping Saputra is his only option, knowing defeating his opponent could put him, or bring him closer, to the top five of the 135-pound division.

“It’s a big opportunity for me. As I’ve said, whoever would be my opponent, I am always making sure that I will give my best and win. Right now, that’s Eko Roni, so I have to beat the guy in front of me,” said Gonzales. “I want to make my country proud and win.”