Team Lakay strawweight contender Lito Adiwang found it hard to move on from his last fight against Japanese fighter Hiroba Minowa.
Adiwang saw his seven-match win streak snap after a controversial loss against Minowa, who, as from what many fans pointed out, tapped out from the Filipino's kimura lock attempt.
Even Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao believes so.
The Japanese youngster eventually won via split decision to improve 12-2 record at while Adiwang suffered his first loss in four years and slid down to 11-3.
That is why when he learned that another Japanese opponent is set to replace Hexigetu of China, who had travel issues en route to Singapore, Adiwang felt ecstatic for what is about to come in ONE: Unbreakable on Friday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
"Oo noong nabalitaan ko na Japanese yung ipapalit nila, na-excite ako, may konting excitement na parang okay, magandang laban ito," said Adiwang, who's very vocal on having a rematch with Minowa. "Alam naman natin kasi toughness and mindset ng mga athletes ng Japan, hindi sila naggi-give up. So magiging magandang laban 'to."
But before taking on Minowa in the future, the 27-year-old Adiwang must take home the win first over Namiki Kawahara.
Against Kawahara, holding a 6-3-2 win-loss-draw record, the Team Lakay stalwart will be facing a ONE Championship debutant known for his striking prowess.
Read: Lesson learned as Adiwang tries more ‘technical’ approach against another Japanese foe
Despite the numerous adjustments, Adiwang and Sangiao are confident that they still have the edge against Kahawara and vowed to give an explosive showing.
"I'll just want to make sure na manalo ako dito in all cause, kahit iba kalaban natin, we have a lot of chances na i-cancel or i-hold yung fight pero sa akin I need to get back there and give a show," said the former No. 5 strawweight contender, admitting that he's still having a hard time rewatching the tape against Minowa. "Gusto ko balikan 'yung position and to climb higher doon sa spot. So we're back."
Adiwang and Kawahara will face in the first installation of the three-part Unbreakable series, marking ONE Championship's first live event in 2021