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Rome Trinidad on One debut: "It's surreal"

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Despite dropping her match on Saturday night in Bangkok, Rome Trinidad cherished her debut at One Championship.

"Everything is still surreal to me because I know deep in my heart that I made a lasting impression in my first assignment as an official member of the One Championship roster," said the former model turned MMA fighter, who signed with the promotion despite only fighting once, a win, prior to it. "I guess this is what happens when you dedicate yourself to your craft."

Trinidad now looks forward to what she thinks is a bright future ahead of her athletic career, although she is part of a stacked women's atomweight division featuring current champ Angela Lee, stars Mei Yamaguchi and Gina Iniong, and Rika Ishige, who scored a submission win against her at One: Warriors of the World.

[Related Story: Filipino pugs blanked in One's Bangkok card]

"I am excited about how the future will unfold as I continue my career in One Championship. For sure, I will be back in the gym to hone my skills," Trinidad continued.

Regarding her loss to Ishige, Trinidad said, "It is truly an honor to face a talented competitor like my opponent Rika Ishige. She gave me a tough test. My opponent withstood everything I threw at her. I tip my hats off to her and her skills. The bout against her will be beneficial to my growth as a martial artist in this sport and in One Championship. We never lose. It’s either we win or we learn. My match against Rika Ishige in Bangkok, Thailand is a learning process for me and my team.”

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno