Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado couldn’t be any happier for Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang’s in-ring return after the latter blew his ACL in their March 2022 matchup. 

Now fully recovered, Adiwang faces dangerous Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis at ONE Friday Fights 34: Rodtang vs. Superlek inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sept. 22.

“First and foremost, I’m happy because Lito’s been gone for a while. I’m happy that he recovered well from his injury, and I’m happy for him because he’s able to return and do what he loves once more this September,” Miado said. 

The 30-year-old Filipino initially wanted to face Mattheis given the Indonesian’s willingness to stand and bang with his opponents. 

However, he’s excited that Mattheis is going to be Adiwang’s dance partner for the same reason – he knows Mattheis will trade with Adiwang, and the latter will do the same. 

“Lito takes this. I feel like this is going to be a great fight. I was happy and excited when the bout was announced,” Miado said. 

“I wanted to fight Adrian Mattheis for a long time because he likes to stand and trade as well. I was asking for him for a long time because I know that we’ll show a good fight for the fans.” 

Miado’s confidence in Adiwang stems from the fact that he has been talking to people who’ve witnessed the Filipino’s recovery firsthand.  

“Before I went to Southside MMA a few months ago, Lito already trained there. From what I’ve heard from the people there, his knee looks good, and his recovery went well,” Miado said. 

But is Miado willing to give Adiwang a rematch should the latter win? Miado is leaving that answer up to ONE matchmakers. 

“As for me, I really wouldn’t want to face a Filipino fighter again. But if that’s what ONE wants to do, then I’d have no problems with it,” he said. 

“It’s still a good opportunity for us, plus we have unfinished business from that previous fight. So I’m very open to it. For as long as ONE wants it, I have no problems with it.” 

Miado also supported Adiwang’s recent decision to move abroad. After all, the Albay, Bicol native knows all about moving to another country to focus on getting better. 

It paid dividends for him as he emerged as one of the most exciting strawweight MMA fighters in ONE Championship after joining Marrok Force MMA. 

Miado sees the same thing happening with Adiwang, and he believes fans will see it as well, starting with his fight against Mattheis. 

“As for this fight, I see Adiwang winning, especially since he’s already abroad. I’m not saying that he wasn’t training right when he was in Team Lakay. But [in Bali], he’ll have plenty of options when it comes to training partners and gyms,” he said. 

“I hear he’s cross-training as well with other gyms, and that’s a great thing because he can adapt to many styles and improve more. He was already good before, and I feel like he will only get better with this move. That’s his advantage over Mattheis.”