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Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan has defeated two of Indonesia’s prime strawweight blended martial artists, and on Friday, 14 January, he’s going for the hat trick.
That night, the 31-year-old Manila resident squares off in opposition to Elipitua “The Magician” Siregar within the opening contest of ONE: HEAVY HITTERS, which broadcasts reside from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Catalan beforehand defeated Siregar’s compatriot, Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis, and his Bali MMA teammate, Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian, however a victory over a 3rd Indonesian fighter would come at a vital time for the Filipino rising star.
Along with elevating his personal blended martial arts profession, a win would assist your complete Catalan Preventing System group.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the household’s gymnasium comparatively exhausting, as “The Ilonggo” and his older brother, Rene “The Challenger” Catalan, have struggled to maintain the doorways open.
Additionally, the Manila strawweight’s older brother is on a three-bout dropping streak and nearing retirement. Furthermore, their Catalan Preventing System teammate, Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres, is on a tricky skid of her personal. So, a victory for “The Ilonggo” in Singapore would instill some much-needed confidence and good vibes within the gymnasium’s ambiance.
Catalan talks about that, and way more, on this unique interview.
ONE Championship: It’s no secret that a few of your Catalan Preventing System teammates have suffered powerful losses within the Circle these days. That stated, how necessary is your upcoming combat with Elipitua Siregar?
Robin Catalan: In that stretch, I haven’t stopped coaching. I’ve been coaching for a very long time figuring out that I’ll need to get our gymnasium again heading in the right direction, and now I’ve that likelihood. That’s why this match is essential to me. Kuya Rene [Catalan] has been dropping. Jomary [Torres] additionally misplaced, so it’s as much as me now.
I’ve additionally been listening to quite a lot of issues. Due to our current outcomes, some followers are starting to look down on us, so it’s as much as me to show to all of the individuals who’ve been doubting us that we’re right here to remain.
ONE: Do you are feeling like there may be stress on you and the group?
RC: Yeah. We additionally need to survive not solely within the ring, but additionally within the gymnasium as properly. The pandemic hit us actually exhausting, so we’ve actually struggled to make ends meet. We actually needed to work double-time. Except for defending the popularity of our gymnasium, win right here would additionally assist with the gymnasium’s bills.
ONE: Talking of your older brother, Rene, what has he been telling you forward of this match with Siregar?
RC: He simply jogs my memory to remain targeted. I’ve to overlook all of the issues which have occurred and deal with this match. He jogs my memory to not waste quite a lot of time as a result of the pandemic already did that for us. He additionally jogs my memory that he’s shut to retiring now, and that I’m going to deal with quite a lot of issues right here.
ONE: It sounds such as you’re going to be Catalan Preventing System’s principal man when Rene retires. Have you ever given any thought to that? In that case, what’s going by means of your thoughts?
RC: There’s quite a lot of stress on my finish, however I do know that he’s additionally having a tough time. There’s stress. It’s a giant accountability. I’ve to verify to get it proper so I can repay him for all the assistance that he’s given me in my profession. That’s the place the stress comes from. I do know I’ve to do it the precise method, and it begins with this match.
ONE: Apparently, you’ve defeated two of Siregar’s compatriots – Adrian Mattheis and Stefer Rahardian. Figuring out that, do you suppose that’s motivating Siregar even additional?
RC: I do know they’re getting ready exhausting to get again at me, however the good factor is that I consider I’m extra ready. I’ve been ready for this comeback combat for a very long time, so I’ve actually skilled for this. I’ve been prepared for a very long time.
ONE: What do you view as Siregar’s strengths, and which elements of his recreation do you suppose offers you a tough time?
RC: Since he’s youthful, I count on him to be sturdy and explosive. That doesn’t trouble me, although. I consider I’ve ready for this, and I plan to lean on my expertise.
I’ve been by means of loads within the Circle. I’ve received and I’ve misplaced. I skilled dealing with sturdy fighters prior to now, and I’ve realized from that. That’s why I consider expertise goes to be my weapon.
ONE: Siregar comes from a grappling background. In reality, he’s an Indonesian Wrestling Champion. How do you put together for that?
RC: The group has been getting ready exhausting for that. It’s one of many principal focuses of our gymnasium, however I’m not nervous. I’m assured in my all-around recreation. Whether or not in grappling or in hanging, I’m ready to take him on. I believe this match will boil all the way down to our conditioning.
ONE: Because of your wushu and Muay Thai background, quite a lot of critics consider you will have the benefit within the hanging division. That stated, do you suppose Siregar will commerce pictures with you?
RC: I believe he’ll use it simply to arrange his takedowns and work on his floor [game]. I’m ready for that, although. The great factor is that I’ve had an extended coaching camp for this, so I don’t suppose I’ll have an issue with no matter he desires to do.
ONE: But when the motion stays on the ft, do you count on to get the knockout?
RC: Sure. For positive. That’s my goal for this match, a knockout win. If he trades with me, that might occur.
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