Matapos magkaroon ng limang sunod sunod na panalo ngayong 2018, balak ni Rene “The Challenger” Catalan na sundan ito hanggang sa susunod na taon.

The 40-year-old Iloilo City native has won two-straight bouts this year, starting with a second-round stoppage of Chinese prospect Peng Xue Wen at ONE: KINGS OF COURAGE last January.

Ang 40 anyos na tiga Iloilo City ay nanalo ng dalawang magkasunod na laban ngayong taon, simula sa pagkapanalo niya mula sa second round stoppage sa Chinese prospect na si Peng Xue Wen sa ONE: KINGS OF COURAGE nitong Enero.

Sumunod naman ang laban niya nitong nakaraang Hulyo sa Indonesian rising star Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian na nauwi sa unanimous decision win sa ONE: REIGN OF KINGS.

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Sa kabila ng pagiging pinakamatanda sa kanilang bracket, pinatunayan ni Catalan ang husay niya at isa isa na siya ngayon sa top contender ing ONE Championship’s 56.7-kilogram weight class.

“2018 has been a very challenging year. I always push myself to the limit. Each fight is a chance for me to prove that I'm one of the best,” saad niya.

“I always make sure that I’m in tiptop shape. I’m just pushing myself more knowing that 2019 will present more challenges.”

Taking good care of himself has become a habit for the hot-streaking Filipino strawweight, given that physical prime does not last that long and fades away as time passes by.

Para kay Catalan, ang kanyang motibasyon upang umangat sa mga mas bata na atleta sa kanyang division ang naging rason upang ipagpatuloy niya ang pakikipaglaban.

“Many believe that the younger generation of athletes have the advantage in terms of learning and adopting things quickly. But for me, it’s all about your passion and your personal belief that you are better than anyone else,” pahayag niya.

“If you are motivated to showcase your talent at any given stage, regardless of your age, you will perform at your best,” sabi niya.