Robin Catalan Spoils Stefer Rahardian’s Homecoming In Jakarta

Robin Catalan gave Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian a rude welcome home at ONE: ETERNAL GLORY on Saturday, 19 January.

Following his brother’s lead after Rene Catalan delivered the local hero his first professional defeat in July, “The Ilonggo” displayed his striking arsenal and wrestling prowess to hand the Bali MMA product a unanimous decision loss inside the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Despite a hostile crowd working against him, Catalan showed no fear throughout the opening round as he attacked Rahardian with a blistering series of kicks to the lead leg.

The Filipino maintained his steely resolve throughout the initial five-minute period, while the hometown favorite searched for an opening to shoot inside for the takedown.

While “The Lion” eventually latched onto a leg, the 28-year-old Makati City, Philippines native was quick to slip free from his rival’s grasp and reestablish himself on the feet.

Catalan continued to find success with his striking early in the second round, as he kept battering the Indonesian with those same leg kicks and blasted him with an overhand right.

Although Rahardian maintained a significant height and reach advantage, he struggled to find his striking range with the Filipino just chipping away at him from the outside.

“The Ilonggo” even managed to hit a slick double-leg takedown with time ticking away in the frame. The strawweights worked back up to their feet rather quickly, but Rahardian was clearly growing frustrated with his inability to counter Catalan’s offense.

With the third round underway, Rahardian’s corner was shouting at him to unleash a counterattack to stifle Catalan’s leg kicks.

Unfortunately, the Filipino’s potent combinations were not slowing down, and ”The Lion” could not find an answer to stop him.

Late in the stanza, Catalan swooped in, grabbed onto Rahardian’s lower body, lifted him into the air, and then brought the 32-year-old down to the canvas.

Once again, it was “The Ilonggo” who showcased his dominance in one of his best performances to date. 

By the time the final bell sounded, Catalan had done more than enough to earn the victory.

He claimed a unanimous decision, improved his record to 9-4, and has catapulted up the strawweight ladder.