Jayson “Dumangmang Warrior” Miralpez won’t only be fighting for his own name when he makes his ONE Friday Fights debut – he’s going to be fighting for an entire team.
The 20-year-old from Camarines Norte, Bicol, takes on Robson “The Monkey King” de Oliveira at ONE Friday Fights 85 on Nov. 1 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
For Miralpez, he’s doing it for his squad – Warriors MMA Academy – as the stable looks to be the next big team in the country.
“I’m motivated and inspired by my teammates, knowing that if I can win here, maybe opportunities will open up for them,” he said.
“I’ll win this for all my supporters and everyone who’s believed in me. That’s where I’m getting my strength.”
His head coach Marlon Malaluan is one of those believers, and he’s excited to see just how far Miralpez will go in ONE Championship.
“It’s his dedication and the fire inside him. He has that killer instinct in him, and I think that’s lacking in fighters today,” he said.
“The good thing about Jayson is that it’s not just hard work. He’s got talent as well. He’s got heart. It’s not impossible for him to reach his dreams.”
He knows that it won’t be easy against De Oliveira, but that only pushes him to be better when he makes his debut at Lumpinee Stadium.
He’s gotten used to knocking people out. After all, three of his fights have ended by finish. So he’s looking forward to getting it done again.
“I look at this as a challenge. Being the first fighter from Bicol to compete in ONE Friday Fights, I don’t plan to put this to waste,” he said.
“I’ll take every opportunity to win in this fight, but if I’m to decide, it will be a knockout. It’s a good feeling to have.”
