Like many fighters, Sean Climaco grew up watching martial arts, and that piqued his interest in the world of combat sports. 

But even Climaco would tell you that he never really needed to be pushed into full-contact martial arts as a profession. 

Climaco, who makes his ONE Championship debut against Josue Cruz in a three-round flyweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 22 on May 4, believes that fighting has always been in his blood as he traces his roots to the province of Cebu – a place that isn’t short on fighting heroes. 

“I idolized Bruce Lee and Rocky, and then, also being Filipino, Manny Pacquiao as I grew older watching him fight. But it wasn’t just those influences that got us into fighting. It’s in our blood too,” he said. 

“The part of the Philippines my family is from is called Cebu [City], and people from that city of the Philippines are known as fighters and warriors,” he added. 

“If you’re from that part of the Philippines, you’re considered to have a strong heart and fighting spirit.”

That fighting spirit, coupled with his unpredictable style, got him a coveted US$100,000 ONE Championship contract after he ran through everyone in the Road to ONE: America tournament in New York City. 

Going three for three in the tournament with just as many finishes, he will now enter Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, with his confidence at an all-time high. 

“Stylistically, I don’t think he’s ever fought my style. The strikes that I throw, the style I bring is very unique, and you can’t train for it. That’s why one of my coaches gave me the nickname “The One,” he said.

“I’m expecting to be ready for anything,” he said. “I see myself finishing the fight in the second round. We’re gonna bang out in the first round. In the second round, I’ll have it by then.