Another Filipino added to One: Warrior Kingdom

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Another Filipino will take centerstage in One: Warrior Kingdom at the Impact Arena in Bangkok on March 11.

As announced on Monday, Ramon Gonzales will take on Thai opponent Theera Pongwan in the latest addition to the fight card highlighted by the One women's championship match between Angela Lee and Jenny Huang.

[Related Story: Angela Lee battles Huang in title defense]

A relative unknown even to the Filipino MMA fans, Gonzales actually fought at One Championship in 2015, losing via knockout to Chan Rothana.

Gonzales' one and only fight prior to that was a knockout victory over Jeremy Quinonero at URCC Davao Digmaan in 2009.

Gonzales will be the fourth Filipino to fight in the said event as One already announced three Filipinos who will battle in the said card led by Joshua Pacio.

[Related Story: Pacio clashes with Amnuaysirichoke in battle of former Naito challengers]

On the other hand, while Phongwan, who now goes by the name Yodsanan Sityodtong, may be 42 years old already, he is still not a pushover as he is known as one of the best boxers in Thailand.

Phongwan held the WBA super featherweight title and left boxing with an impressive record of 58 wins, one draw, and three defeats.

With his superb punching that led to 47 knockout victories, Phongwan earned the moniker "Thai Tyson".

Phongwan, who is also a Muay Thai practitioner, turned his attention to MMA in 2011, taking part in One's first ever event in Singapore, beating Daniel Mashamaite with a knockout finish by foot.

Like Gonzales, Phongwan took some time before making his most recent MMA fight, a knockout win against Khon Sichan at One: Kingdom of Champions at the said venue last year. He lost to Jiang Long Yun by submission prior to that in 2012.

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