By Jun Ray Navarres
Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio says his familiarity with the sport is seems enough to stop Gurdarshan Mangat after the latter’s call out last June 3.
After scraping past Thai striker Yodkaikaew Fairtex with the split decision win on ONE 158, Mangat boldly challenged Eustaquio to a date inside the Circle.
To everyone’s surprise, Gravity is not the one to back down a challenge.
“Yes! I can’t wait to share the Circle with him. Thanks for calling me out Gary. I will stand my ground and bring you a good fight, let us settle this out,” responded Eustaquio.
Eustaquio has already seen the ups and downs of the division.
After a back and forth tussle with Kairat Akhmetov and Adriano Moraes, both resulting in a split against Gravity, the Team Lakay standout has gone 3-1 on his last four fights.
In 2021, Gravity took a hiatus after contracting COVID-19. But now that he’s back to full health, Eustaquio wants to test himself with a rampaging Mangat.
A versatile flyweight, Mangat is slowly creeping into the upper echelon of ONE Championship’s flyweight division. “Saint Lion” is 4-1 in his first five fights in the organization and another big win might just push him into the top five of his weight class.
Eustaquio could be his ticket to break into the flyweight elite.
And Eustaquio recognizes his grit, dedication and talent but assures Mangat that he’s career is too young for the veteran flyweight fighter.
“He made a lot of movements. He strikes good and wrestles well. No doubt, his development was mirrored in his performance. I am about to know that when the fight happens,” said Eustaquio.
“But I think I am in this business for a longer period of time.”
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
