For Filipino homegrown talents competing under the ONE Championship banner, training and competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts demand immense dedication, discipline, and sacrifice.
Balancing rigorous training schedules and personal commitments can be overwhelming, but on Father’s Day, it offered a well-deserved break from their daily grind, allowing them to reconnect with their families and cherish moments of togetherness.
Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang was glad to be back home to celebrate the special occasion with his wife and three daughters.
“I was in the United States for two months, training in different gyms across America. It was difficult for me to be away from them. The sacrifices we make as fighters are not only for ourselves but for our loved ones who support us every step of the way,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that no matter how tough the training or how demanding the fights, my family will always be my anchor, my motivation, and my greatest source of strength.”
Meanwhile, ex-ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon spent the entire day playing with her daughter Kelsey, who will turn three years old in August.
“She brings so much joy and laughter into my life, and being her father is the greatest gift I could ask for,” Belingon stated. “Seeing her smile, hearing her laughter, and witnessing her growth are the moments that truly define the meaning of fatherhood for me.”
On the other hand, two-time ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio had to travel from Baguio City, Benguet to San Fernando, La Union to see his father Nimrod and uncle Ray.
“My father and uncle are not just fans; they’re diehard supporters who have been with me every step of my martial arts journey. Their unwavering belief in my abilities has been instrumental in my success,” Pacio shared.
For Pinoy knockout artist Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado, he couldn’t be any happier to return to Bangkok, Thailand to reunite with his wife and son after setting up camp in the tropical paradise of Phuket for his strawweight bout against Mansur Malachiev at ONE Fight Night 11 last June 10.
“It’s my wife and son who give me the strength and inspiration to rise again. Their unconditional love and constant support remind me of what truly matters in life,” Miado mentioned.
Other dad fighters who got to enjoy Father’s Day were former ONE World Champions Honorio “The Rock” Banario and Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio.
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