Martin Nguyen Feels Like Adopted Filipino For Return To Manila

Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen is back, and he cannot wait to wow the crowd in the Mall Of Asia Arena again at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES.

Next Friday, 2 August, the ONE Featherweight World Champion will return to Manila, Philippines, where he will star in the night’s main event bout against Japanese challenger Koyomi “Moushigo” Matsushima.

It promises to be a spectacular night, and Nguyen is ready to play a starring role and entertain the local fans once more.

“I’ve always got a sweet spot for the Philippines. Having a Filipino family, with my brother-in-law being a Filipino, I feel like we already have Filipino blood in our family,” he says.

“In general, the Philippine crowd is one of the most educated crowds in the world.” 

The card is stacked with some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts – World Champions including Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, as well as Filipino heroes like Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio.

Though the Vietnamese-Australian does not have the same kind of legendary résumé as those American stars, or compete under the same national flag as those heroes from Team Lakay, he expects an enthusiastic reception from the fans in attendance.

“There’s no better way to perform than to do it in front of 20,000 people. I know that, having four bouts there already. Going into my fifth, I feel that I’m an adopted Filipino already,” the 30-year-old says.

“The crowd is ecstatic. As soon as you start throwing punches and start putting on a show, it’s deafening in there.

“You just got to try and shut it out and not let the emotions and noise get to you.”

Nguyen even got a warm reception when he stunned national hero Folayang to capture the ONE Lightweight World Title in Manila two years ago. 

Even though he had just defeated their hero, the fans applauded his win and respected his performance, which the Hardknocks 365 representative says meant the world to him, and is something that sticks with him to this day.

Nguyen adds that the best way to show his appreciation is to continue to put on spectacular performances for them. He is hopeful that will be the case when he takes on Matsushima, and he thinks his opponent will be the perfect foil for that.

“I think he’s an outstanding athlete. He worked his way up as a contender to fight for a World Title so there’s no denying him,” says Nguyen.

“He’s always constantly attacking with that wrestling, and he’s got explosive footwork as well. There’s knockout power – as you saw against [Marat] Gafurov – so I won’t be taking him lightly.”

“I’m just to be excited in general. I’m able to compete again at the highest level, defend [my belt], and have fun while doing it.

“I’d say congratulations [to Matsushima] for earning your World Title shot. I hope this camp you’re 100-percent healthy. I’ll be coming to put on a show for the fans and this one definitely won’t go the distance.”