Filipino-Kiwi veteran Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo is excited to make the familiar walk down the ramp en route to the ONE Championship ring again after months in isolation due to quarantine lockdown in his area.
The 28-year-old said that though it was difficult to deal with the situation in the early going, he has been able to maintain his fitness and is now more than ready to perform once again. Speaking to media ahead of his next outing, Abelardo took the time out to send a message to his fellow Filipinos.
“Quarantine lockdown was hard to deal with at first, due to many closures and enforcement of rules everywhere. But I was able to work around it with road work and solo training. Then we got the greenlight for group training, so it’s okay now,” said Abelardo.
“To all Filipinos dealing with the current Covid-19 crisis, I hope that you, your loved ones, and your colleagues are safe and well. I can honestly say that I’ve never experienced an event with such a drastic impact on how we live and work. Now more than ever, we must do the right things and be prepared to take steps beyond what we’re typically required to do. Stay safe.”
Abelardo is scheduled to face Brazilian newcomer Fabricio Andrade in a mixed martial arts contest at ONE: NO SURRENDER, set for Friday, 31 July in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s ONE Championship’s first live event back after announcing resumption of its flagship event schedule.
“It’s an honor to be on ONE Championship’s returning card amongst many world champions. I feel ready to put on a show, so expect fireworks,” said Abelardo.
His opponent, Andrade, is just 2-2 to start his career. Abelardo, who sits at 19-7 overall, owns the definitive advantage in experience. Abelardo got his start on ONE Warrior Series, impressing mixed martial arts legend Rich Franklin enough to earn a multi-figure ONE Championship contract just after two appearances on the reality show.
Abelardo’s most impressive victories have come against guys like Ali Motamed, Shinechagtaga Zoltsetseg, and Daichi Takenaka. His explosive style has led to 14 highlight reel finishes in his career. Though he’s not taking his next opponent lightly by any means, “Tyson” says Andrade should be prepared for the storm he brings.
“Fabricio is a high level striker, having competed mainly in kickboxing and Muay Thai fights. I never look past my opponents so I will not take him lightly regardless of his experience in MMA,” said Abelardo.
“I hope he is ready because I’ll be giving him all I’ve got and more. I want to put on a pace and look to mix things up like I usually do.”
ONE: NO SURRENDER is ONE Championship’s first live event since February. The promotion deliberated carefully on safety protocols, and made the necessary adjustments to its operations.
The main event features a rubber match between reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, and the challenger, former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy.
In the evening’s co-main event, defending ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy will put his World Title on the line against legendary “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex.
Also on the card is a ONE Super Series Kickboxing Super-Bout between striking superstars Superbon Banchamek and “The Killer Kid” Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
Fight Game Asia 