Two-time former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio of the Philippines makes his highly-anticipated return to action this Friday night, and the 31-year-old is feeling motivated and confident to build another run toward the ONE World Title.
Eustaquio will face South Korean “Running Man” Song Min Jong in a three-round mixed martial arts contest at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event in Singapore scheduled for global air on 13 November. The bout will be contested at a catchweight of 64kg.
Against Song, Eustaquio faces a South Korean national mixed martial arts champion, and a product of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series. Song is known for his tricky ground game, and his ability to pull out tough victories.
“Gravity” remains respectful of Song before their showdown, but says he fully expects to leave the arena with his hands raised in victory at the end of the night.
“I have a lot of respect for him. He is a good martial artist. He’s also made his mark in the world of mixed martial arts and has enough experience. He’s got good size, and he has a pretty decent ground game. But he’s never faced anyone like me. I’m a well-rounded fighter, and I plan to show that in this fight,” said Eustaquio.
“I’m preparing with the best team, Team Lakay. Every day, I’m surrounded by world champions and athletes, by world-class trainers and coaches. I am constantly trying to upgrade my ground game and wrestling.”
Eustaquio is coming off an impressive victory over former conqueror Toni “Dynamite” Tauru last November 2019, winning by spectacular spinning back kick knockout in the final round. The 31-year-old veteran member of Team Lakay wants to build on that momentum, and hopefully position himself for another shot at the ONE World Title down the line.
“I can’t decide whether I’m next in line for a title shot or not. Ultimately, my performances will speak for itself. My role is to train and perform at my best, always,” said Eustaquio.
“But if the opportunity will present itself, of course, I believe I deserve it. It will happen in God’s perfect time.”
ONE Championship returns with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore for global broadcast this Friday night, 13 November. In the main event, former ONE Bantamweight World Champion and #1-ranked bantamweight contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines faces #5-ranked bantamweight contender John “Hands of Stone” Lineker of Brazil.
Eustaquio, who faces Song in the co-main event, is happy to be back doing what he loves to do, and feels extra motivated to build a little win streak.
“I’m very excited to get back inside the ONE Circle, it’s been a very long time. I’m confident I can get this win, despite what we’ve all experienced in the pandemic. It’s time to turn this experience into a positive,” said Eustaquio.
“For me, I took the lockdown as a good thing. I got to spend time with my family and friends. Thankfully, being in Baguio City, I could still enjoy going for a dirt bike ride in the mountains, or horseback riding. I am very lucky to be living in Baguio.”
Watch the event this Friday, 13 November on One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). One Sports will air the event on a same-day delay at 9 p.m. PHT. Additionally, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT.
