Going into 2020, Filipino rising star Lito “Thunder Kid “ Adiwang is hopeful that he can maintain his sizzling start in ONE Championship.
Adiwang targets his seventh straight win when he battles Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit in a three-round strawweight affair at ONE: FIRE & FURY on 31 January at the Mall Of Asia Arena in the Philippines.
Considered by many as the future of Philippine mixed martial arts, Adiwang makes his much-anticipated Philippine debut in The Home of Martial Arts after sweeping his bouts at Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series.
Adiwang then announced his arrival on the global stage at ONE: CENTURY PART I in October when he made short work of Senzo Ikeda.
“I am really happy for this match. I was asking for this since last year and luckily for me, they heard my request and I am here in the first Manila card,” Adiwang said.
“Other than the opportunity to compete in front of my fellow Pinoys, I am excited to show how much I have improved since the last time I fought.”
Owning an impressive win-loss record of 10-2, Adiwang is currently riding a six-bout win streak and has dominated every bout since joining the ONE Championship developmental league in October of 2018.
For the 26-year-old, his continuous success is hinged on pure desire. He believes that more so than the physical preparation, it is his mindset that sets him apart from others.
“In every fight, I want to make sure I give out my best. I want people to remember my name, to remember me as an athlete who brings energy and excitement. I want people to tune in every time I compete,” Adiwang said.
“That type of mindset is the main reason for my recent victories and I will definitely show it in my next fights. I hope to continue winning so I can continue inching closer to my dream World Title shot.”
Adiwang does expect a lot from his opponent, who he thinks will do everything to get a victory, but his confidence is unshaken.
“Mitsatit is a young and hungry fighter. I respect him. He is a good fighter and a strong striker and it’s something that I am really preparing for. I expect a striking match against him,” Adiwang said.
“I want to test my striking skills with him and give [the fans] a good show.”
“I’ve always wanted to put on a good show in front of the Manila fans, so expect a hungrier and better Lito Adiwang on 31 January.”
In the meantime, The Home Of Martial Arts returns to action on 10 January for ONE: A NEW TOMORROW at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.