Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan believes the postponement of his previously scheduled match against Elipitua “The Magician” Siregar has actually worked in his favor.
The two will now meet at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot this Friday, May 20, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
They were originally scheduled to face off last January, but Catalan tested positive for Covid-19, forcing ONE Championship to look for a new opponent for Siregar.
Given more time to strategize and prepare for the Indonesian, the Sta. Barbara, Iloilo native is more confident heading into this contest.
“I think I can handle his wrestling easily. We’re not lacking in training,” Catalan said.
“We’re focused on improving our wrestling and even incorporated it into our game plan. I’m looking to find my timing and see where I can get a knockout.”
It also helped that Siregar went on and competed anyway, losing to Senzo Ikeda via third-round TKO.
In that match, Catalan saw holes in the wrestler’s game, as he saw how Ikeda tired out Siregar by defending his takedowns and picking his shots.
“I think he got gassed out by his wrestling, so Senzo found an opening and he capitalized on that,” Catalan said.
“Senzo’s striking is also good and found its intended target. That’s the kind of opening I will also be looking for, to let him use his own strength against him.”
While he won’t force another highlight-reel knockout, the Catalan Fighting System representative won’t hesitate to throw bombs should the opportunity present itself.
“I can’t say for certain, but our aim in my game plan is to get a knockout,” Catalan said.
“Of course, anything can happen in the match, and I may or may not get that knockout, but I will surely be looking for it.”