Fil-Am Striegl to slug it out with champ

MANILA, Philippines - Mike Striegl makes his much awaited return to the cage before local fans as he slugs it out with XFC bantamweight champion Reece McLaren of Australia in the blockbuster ONE: Spirit of Champions at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City this Friday.

 “I always love competing in Manila,” said Striegl, seeking a victory and a crack at the ONE bantamweight world crown held by Bibiano Fernandes. “Filipino fight fans are a passionate bunch and it is an absolute honor to fight for the pride and glory of being Filipino.”

McLaren is actually taking over the spot of fellow Aussie Jordan Lucas, who has been forced out of the fight due to a cut.

McLaren brings a 7-3 pro MMA record with his last setback coming via split points decision against current UFC flyweight Ben Nguyen. McLaren has swept his two rivals this year, beating Jacob Mahony and Edwin Arana, both in the first round.

But Striegl remains upbeat of his chances for a possible shot at a world title.

”My style of fighting is a unique one. I always come forward and you’ll never see me in a boring fight. Come fight night, you can expect an action-packed fight where you never know what will happen next,” said Striegl.

Turning to Fernandes, the 27-year-old fighter said: “Bibiano (Fernandes) is a fantastic champion and, of course, it’s any fighter’s dream to win a world championship.”

Brandon Vera and Chi Lewis-Parry headline the explosive fightcard that also features Ana Julaton versus Irina Mazepa. Other matches pit Geje Eustaquio against Jianbing Yang, Eugene Toquero vs Ze Wu, Angela Lee against Lena Tkhorevska, Alex Silva versus Ruel Catalan, Bruno Pucci against Anthony Engelen and Christian Lee versus David Meak.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has long produced some of the finest athletes in combat sports, For Striegl (14-1), fighting is not just a means to make a living, it is an aspiration to join a short list of elite Filipino combat sports athletes throughout history, like his hero, Manny Pacquiao.

“Manny is one fighter that I will always look up to. It’s his humility and his love for his family and God that I admire,” said Striegl. “He’s the people’s champ because he worked his way up to the top and got there through sheer guts and determination.”