Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu’s rising star Allan Albindo is ready to make another statement in the Lion City.
The 22-year-old will be facing “Prince” Toreq of Indonesia in a 58.5-kilogram catch weight bout at Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series 9 in Singapore this Wednesday, 4 December.
After dropping a decision loss in his debut to Manthan Rane at OWS 6, Albindo bounced back with a stunning third-round TKO win over Mohammad Arif Izzudin at OWS 7 in July.
Though he is expecting an even tougher match-up this time, the Cebuano smells a grand ending to his year.
“I’m really excited to show my talent here in OWS. My training has been non-stop since my last match. I really worked for this because I want to show them that they did not make a mistake by getting me at ONE Warrior Series,” Albindo said.
“I just have to continue my brilliant performance because that will one day bring me the contract. I want to succeed as an athlete and I am not wasting this opportunity.”
Albindo recognizes the danger Toreq presents.
The Bali MMA representative was as impressive in OWS 7 as he scored a first-round TKO win over Mohn Nor Hidayat of Brunei in their three-round flyweight bout.
But the Filipino is still up for the challenge.
“There’s no easy challenge in martial arts. Every fight, there are a lot of things that can happen. However, I am mentally and physically prepared for this match,” Albindo said.
“I am truly ready for this fight. I know it will not be easy. I’ve scouted Toreq and I saw that he’s a good grappler and that’s just one of the things I am working on for this fight.”
“I emphasized work on my ground defense and loaded up on my striking. Those are the things that will bring me to victory. Conditioning wise, I think I’m 100 percent ready.”
Knowing how one win can end up changing his life, Albindo promises to give his all come Wednesday.
“This is for my family – that’s where I get my strength every day. It can be hard at times but I know that everything will pay-off and, it starts on Wednesday.”
For one last time this year, ONE Championship returns to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS at the Axiata Arena on 6 December.