Jeremy Miado Relishes ONE Championship Debut Against Robin Catalan
Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado is part of a deep talent pool of Filipino mixed martial artists with huge potential.
On Friday Night, 21 April, he will take a big step towards fulfilling that potential. The 24-year-old is set to make his ONE Championship debut against fellow Filipino Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan in an eagerly anticipated strawweight contest at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, live from the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
“This is my big opportunity to show people who I am, and introduce myself to ONE,” he says. ”I am very proud they are giving me this chance. For now, I will do my best and train hard.”
Though still a relative newcomer to the game, Miado is armed with a strong boxing background. He made a name for himself as a boxer in the Bicol Region, and garnered an incredible 32-2 amateur record. However, the lack of opportunities led to him relocating to Manila two years ago and crossing over into MMA. Unsurprisingly, success has followed.
Miado has amassed an unblemished 6-0 record since making his professional debut in January 2016. His success rate has already seen him claim regional titles such as the Blaze FC Strawweight Championship. Now the Sucuri MMA product has his eyes set on ONE Championship gold, and that path to glory begins in Manila.
The man opposite him, Catalan, will be just as eager to put on a good performance, as he is looking to both impress his fellow pinoys and earn his first win in the promotion. “The Ilonggo” is an IFMA World Muay Thai Champion who holds a 5-2 record, with two wins via TKO and another two via submission.
Most recently, the 26-year-old lost to BJJ black belt Alex Silva at ONE: UNION OF WARRIORS last May, and is on a mission to prove that he belongs in Asia’s premier MMA organization. That motivation makes Catalan extra dangerous.
“My opponent is a good wrestler and striker, but I am focusing on my ground [skills]. I am a striker, but I know what his skills are,” Miado says. “I think his game plan will be to use his wrestling to take me down. I am practicing my sprawl and wrestling. That is my expectation.”
As an undefeated fighter on the cusp of making his breakthrough, “The Jaguar” could have a bright future ahead of him. He envisions being the “Pacquiao of MMA”, using his childhood hero as inspiration.
The Manila resident has a burning desire to become a world champion, and that can only be found in the heart of the most dedicated fighters. Miado knows he must pass this first test, as a stumble here could set him back considerably.
“My goal is to become a ONE champion. I want to be at the top here. Eduard Folayang was my idol when I started MMA, and now he is the ONE Lightweight World Champion, so it shows I can do it,” Miado states. “I will be going for the belt. Soon, people will know who I am.”
