Gina “Conviction” Iniong has enjoyed many unforgettable moments in ONE Championship, however, the atomweight’s match this past Saturday, 16 February in Bangkok, Thailand falls as one of the greatest moments, if not the best, for the Filipina.
The 29-year-old came up with a performance of a lifetime as she handed Malaysian rising star Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan her first loss as a professional at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS from inside the Impact Arena.
“It was a big relief. I struggled in my last bouts, so it feels really good to get back on track,” she said. “Hopefully, this is a start of another run for me at the belt.”
Iniong was all over Jihin in that women’s atomweight contest, mixing her point of attack with sound striking and excellent takedowns.
Save for the last part of the third round, the Baguio City resident was never threatened as she imposed her will on the younger Malaysian to come away with the decision victory.
“[Jihin] Radzuan is a tremendous warrior, and I wasn’t expecting this to be an easy fight at all. Thankfully, our game plan worked,” she stated.
There was certainly pressure to perform for Iniong, especially with all the things she has been going through lately.
Iniong’s mother was diagnosed with a stage five chronic kidney disease, while Team Lakay also experienced some struggles as Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio and Joshua “The Passion” Pacio dropped their respective World Titles.
But “Conviction” never let the pressure get to her, and with that performance, she re-inserted herself into the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title picture.
"There was a lot on the line for that bout. I felt extra pressure to give a good performance because I wanted to prove that I'm still one of the best in our division," Iniong said.
“I never let the nerves get to me, though. I am always composed, and once I stepped through those ropes, in my mind, it was just me and Jihin. It was like tunnel vision.”
After starting 2019 on a triumphant note, Iniong is already looking forward to her next assignment in The Home Of Martial Arts.
“That bout taught me to never lose your confidence to yourself and always give everything I have in every match,” she added.
“That win showed exactly what I am capable of as a fighter. I can’t wait for my next challenge.”