FROM boxing to MMA, former boxing world champion Ana Julaton makes her MMA debut next month in the upcoming ONE FC show in Manila.
Julaton will locks horns with Egyptian kickboxing champion Aya Saeid Saber in the undercard of ONE FC—“Rise of Heroes” on May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The 33-year-old Filipino-American recently signed with the biggest MMA organization in Asia - ONE FC.
Julaton is arguably the best female boxer from the Philippines. She is a two-time World Boxing Organization (WBO) Female super bantamweight and also a former International Boxing Association female super bantamweight titleholder.
Julaton lost her WBO crown in 2012 after a unanimous decision defeat in the hands of Yesica Patricia Marcos. She won her next two bouts that year, before splitting his fights last year. She has a pro boxing record of 13-4-1 with two knockouts.
This is Julaton's first fight in the Philippines. She has never fought in the country as a pro boxer.
Saber, on the other hand, should be a tough assignment for Julaton, who has a background in karate and taekwondo. Aside from being a veteran in kickboxing, Saber has also been in MMA for quite some time. She made her debut in 2012 and won a unanimous decision against Fatma Mansour. She, however, lost his last three fights for a 1-3 slate in MMA.
The main event features, ONE FC bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes defending his belt against No. 1 contender Masakatsu Ueda.
Four Filipinos are also slated in the blockbuster MMA event.
Filipino MMA star Eduard Folayang (13-4) takes on former ONE FC lightweight champion
Kotetsu Boku in the co-featured bout.
Folayang's Team Lakay stablemate Rey Docyogen (10-2) faces off with Guam's Josh Alvarez (12-6).
Cebuano Muay Thai fighter Eugene Toquero (4-1) slugs it out with unbeaten Gianni Suba (3-0), while Filipina former pro boxer Jujeath Nagaowa also makes her MMA debut against Indian Jeet Toshi (2-1). EKA
