Filipino fight Jeremy Miado knew it better than anyone else what to watch out for in his Chinese opponent Miao Li Tao in their upcoming rematch inside the Circle.
Miado and Miao will clash anew in ONE: NEXTGEN on Friday, Oct. 29, two years after the new Marrok Force talent knocked out the Chinese contender.
The 28-year-old Miado took notice of Miao's improved wrestling after the latter equalized with Japanese rival Ryuto Sawada and fought toe-to-toe with former strawweight champion Alex Silva.
"Ang ganda po talaga ng wrestling niya, 'yong takedown defense niya, siyempre 'yong throwing niya, judo technique niya kay Mitsatit (His wrestling, takedown defense, and throwing are impressive)," said Miado. "Maganda talaga ' yong throwing niya, 'yong wrestling niya, tapos 'yong posture niya sobrang ganda ngayon 'di katulad dati... (Compared before, his posture also improved)"
READ: Expect a wrestling match vs Miao, says Miado
Interestingly, Miado became Marrok Force's new sponsored athlete and this is where the Filipino fighter honed his ground game and grappling skills.
Thanks to compatriots Denice and Drex Zamboanga, Miado found better opportunities for his mixed martial arts career in Bangkok, Thailand.
READ: Marrok Force MMA director heaps praises on Miado
"So ayun, pinag-aaralan namin ngayon kasi nagiging aware na siya sa pagpasok niya (We really studied those well since he's also aware when to look for an opening)," added Miado. "Aware na siya sa pagpasok niya, ngayon may defense na siya pero may gameplan pa rin kami para doon (His defense is also present but we still have a gameplan for that)."
Miado, who holds a 9-4 record, however, last saw action against Miao in November 2019.
Miao, for his part, suffered a close unanimous decision loss against Silva in August to sustain a 6-4 card.
"This time po, sa tingin ko tatagal 'yong laban pero expect ko pa rin po KO. Hindi ko alam kung flying knee pa rin pero hahanapin ko po pero looking for KO 'yong gameplan (I think the fight will last longer this time but I'm still looking for a KO win)," said Miado.
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