Naganap na kagabi ang pinakamalaking sports media property sa Asian history: ang ONE Championship, kung saan ay tiyan na ang pagsabog sa main event ang Filipino-American na si Brandon “The Truth” Vera at ang Chinese fighter na si Paul “Typhoon” Cheng sa Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena sa Pasay, City.
Habang ginagawa ang istoryang ito, ang dalawang mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter ay kapwa nakapasa sa ginanap na weigh-in.
Samantala, kanselado ang laban nina Geje Eustaquio at Yang Jian Bing dahil nakaranas si Yang ng dehydration sa kagustuhan nitong pumasa sa weigh-in. Agad namang dinala sa ospital si Yang kung saan sumasailalim ito sa intensive rehydration treatment.
Nagpahayag naman ng kanyang paghanga si Brandon “The Truth” Vera sa makakatunggaling si Cheng.
“Big ups to Paul Cheng for taking this fight on short notice. It takes a warrior-mentality and a lot of guts to step inside the cage, especially against a guy like me, but we put it all on the line for the fans. This fight means a lot to me, my family and my country, and I will do everything in my power to bring home the belt. I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”
Hindi naman itinago ni Cheng ang respeto kay Vera bilang isang kilalang fighter.
“This is definitely the toughest fight of my life. Brandon Vera is one of the most well-known fighters in the sport.
I don’t expect anything easy by all means, but I’m always down for a good scrap, even if the fight goes one round or five. I’m never giving up. I have a lot to fight for – I’m fighting for the people of Taiwan, represent! I’m ready to get in there and put on a show.” (Marivic Awitan)
