DALAWANG papel ang gagampanan ni Filipino martial artist Rene “The Challenger” Catalan sa pagsabak sa ONE: Quest for Greatness sa Biyernes Stadium Negara sa Luala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Bukod sa pagsabak sa kanyang dibisyon, tatayong coach si Catalan sa nakababatang kapatid na si Robin, na mapapalaban kay multiple-time Lumpinee World Champion at dating ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.
Ito ang unang pagkakataon na sasabak ang magkapatid sa isang fight card ng pinakasikat na MMA promotion sa Asya.
BALITAnaw: Ang dalawang babaeng naging pangulo ng Pilipinas
“There is pressure, definitely, both as a coach and as a competitor, As a coach, I am thinking about my athlete’s performances. And as a competitor, there is the pressure to win, and carrying Filipino pride on my shoulders,” pahayag ni Rene.
“It marks the first time that I will compete alongside my brother. It’s exciting. I hope that we will walk away as winners of our respective bouts. It will cause a big family celebration,” aniya.
Haharapin ng 38-anyos na dating wushu champion si Bu, nagwagi sa huling tatlong laban.
“For this fight, I added more emphasis to my ground game. Even though I am coming off a win, I shouldn’t be complacent. I trained with the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the country to hone my grappling skills,” pahayag ni Catalan.
“I may not have much experience in the cage, but I do have a rich background in Wushu-Sanda and boxing.”
“I still believe that my striking is better than his stand-up game. I am very comfortable in that aspect. If he wants to strike with me, it will be my pleasure.”
