MANILA, Philippines – Sa unang pagkakataon ay sasabak ang dating Fil-Am na boxingera na si Ana Julaton sa mixed martial arts.
Julaton, dating women's World Boxing Organization at International Boxing Association super bantamweight champion, ay makikipagtuos kay Aya Saeid Saber, isang Egyptian kickboxing champion, sa ONE FC: Rise of Heroes sa Mall of Asia Arena sa May 2.
Ayon kay Julaton, ang kanyang pagsabak sa MMA ay alinsunod sa kanyang kagustuhan na sumikat sa bagong larangan.
"All fighters want to fight on the biggest stage. Manny Pacquiao did that and I feel that ONE FC could provide that," ani Julaton na may boxing record na 13-4-1.
"(UFC chief) Victor (Cui) and I talked a couple of years back about this, so when he asked me if I want to fight in Manila, I said yes,†dagdag niya.
Isang malaking karangalan din para kay Julaton ang lumaban sa Pilinas.
"It's like a dream. I'm a woman in a male-dominated sport. It's not easy being a fighter and a woman. I live in the US but my heritage is here in the Phl so I'm deeply honored to be here," sabi niya.