By Jun Ray Navarres
Filipino karateka Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzales books a return trip to ONE Circle against Indonesian Eko Roni Saputra at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX II, a pre-recorded event in Singapore scheduled to broadcast this Friday, November 6.
The three-time Filipino Kyokushin Karate Champion Gonzales seeks redemption after being stopped in his tracks by the “Wolf of the Grasslands” Hexi Getu in a decision loss at ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS, November last year.
However, “The Bicolano” is still packed coming into the fight with a 3-1 (win-loss) record in his last four outings, winning all three fights via submission.
Gonzales has also been mastering his craft amidst COVID-19 community quarantine with the aim of diminishing the painful memory of his recent defeat and push forward in the jam-packed flyweight division.
“During the lockdown, I was able to train every day, together with my students which are the Uchi-deshi. We used the time we couldn’t go out to stay in the gym, focus on our skills, and train,” said Gonzales.
“I make sure that when it’s time to enter the Circle, I am ready. I promise my fans that will show them the best of me this time.”
But Saputra is not an easy feat.
Saputra is a multiple-time Indonesian national wrestling champion and a new addition to the famed Evolve Fighting Team, carrying a clean undefeated resume in the mats of his native Indonesia.
“I haven’t met Mr. Saputra personally, but I already watched his fights, and I think he is a great fighter,” said Gonzales.
Nevertheless, Gonzales is backed by his supporters in his pursuit inside the Circle.
“I always try to find ways to be motivated. My family remains a constant inspiration for me to do more, to train more,” shared Gonzales.
“And I believe that we need to be inspired and be motivated to move forward so we can stay ready for the challenges ahead of us.”
ONE Championship returns with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX II, with reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion Kiamrian Abbasov of Kyrgyzstan makes the first defense of his world title against undefeated top contender James Nakashima of the United States in the main event.
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