Don’t let her pretty face fool you, because Filipino model Rome “The Rebel” Trinidad is currently out to prove herself in the mixed martial arts scene as she prepares for bigger bouts this year.
The 21-year-old athlete began her martial arts journey by learning one of the Philippines’ homegrown forms of martial arts called “Sikaran,” marked by its foot-fighting component. From Sikaran, she eventually became interested in MMA, especially with her interest in learning self-defense.
“I started with Sikaran by joining national and regional tournaments. Then I persevered since I wanted something more. That is when I decided to learn and go pro in MMA,” shared Trinidad.
Following her last fight in the One Championship cage in Indonesia in May, Trinidad has been introduced as one of the first members of Sante International’s Sante Fight Team.
Joey Marcelo, the president and chief executive of Sante International, said the company saw Trinidad’s potential as an athlete. He likened the athlete’s passion to that of the company, which is also blazing its trails abroad.
“We saw Rome’s tenacity and passion towards what she is doing. I even told her that she can be the country’s Ronda Rousey, and I know that she can do it. We will be supporting her through thick and thin,” said Marcelo.
Sante Fight Team is an initiative of the company to support more athletes in other sports, which in turn aims to inspire more distributors.
“We’ve been supporting triathletes for the past five years and Sante is looking to support athletes in another sport,” added Marcelo.
Marcelo related that his conversations with Louie Sangalang, one of Sante Tri Team’s members who is also an MMA fighter, made him realize that “there is a great potential for Filipino athletes in the MMA arena, especially now that it is gaining popularity in our country.”