ONE's Nguyen thriving in Philippines: 'I feel like an adopted Filipino'

MANILA, Philippines — After fighting some of the biggest bouts of his career here in Manila, ONE Championship's Martin Nguyen is feeling at home in the Philippines.

"I've always got a sweet spot for the Philippines and the Manila crowd," Nguyen said.

"I feel like an adopted Filipino. This is my second home, maybe third home but it's always a blessing to come back here," he said.

Nguyen has been more successful than most in his fights in front of Filipino crowds, even when a title is on the line.

He emerged victorious against the Philippine's Eduard Folayang to become ONE's first two-division champion and successfully defended his belt against Narantungalag Jadambaa in two separate occasions at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Now, he is set to defend his featherweight belt in front of a Philippine crowd once again when he faces Japan's Koyomi Matsushima on Friday in ONE: Dawn of Heroes.    

Nguyen's bout headlines the biggest ONE Championship card held in Manila so far, and the Vietnamese fighter promises to leave it all out on the cage come Friday.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get my hand raised," Nguyen said.