Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan vows to deliver fireworks when he faces local favorite Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit at ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT, which broadcasts live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, 10 May.
Catalan will be targeting his fourth win in five matches, but achieving that feat will be easier said than done.
Mitsatit, who holds a 9-2 professional mixed martial arts record, is one of Thailand’s best young talents.
The 22-year-old is a Northern Thailand Muay Thai Champion who is known for his ability to light up his opponents on the feet. Of his nine career victories, seven come via knockout.
Despite those credentials, Catalan remains unfazed.
“He’s young and prepared, and he’s fighting in his home country, so he certainly has an advantage,” Catalan stated.
“He has very sharp striking, and I would assume that his grappling has improved also. But I won’t let him get a win over me. I won’t allow it.”
Catalan is also coming into the strawweight contest extra-motivated and more inspired due to his older brother Rene’s recent success in The Home Of Martial Arts. As it stands, Rene is riding a phenomenal six-bout win streak.
The younger Catalan has also been successful as of late, too. Most recently, he defeated Indonesian martial arts hero Stefer Rahardian in his hometown of Jakarta this past January.
Now, he is prepared to enter another opponent’s hometown, defeat Mitsatit in front of his countrymen, and keep Catalan Fighting System’s momentum going.
“Everything that we worked for in the gym, it worked in our last fight. The start of the year was good for us, and I hope for it to continue,” Catalan said.
“Like my brother, Rene, I dream of one day becoming a World Champion.”
