Lito Adiwang is currently the fifth-ranked strawweight in the ONE Athlete Rankings.
He’s arguably the promotion’s fastest rising star, and this Friday night, Adiwang gets the opportunity to continue his rise through the ranks in a highly-anticipated return to the ONE Circle.
Adiwang will take on former Shooto Champion Hiroshi Minowa of Japan in a three-round mixed martial arts contest at the previously-recorded ONE: Inside The Matrix III.
He is currently riding a seven-bout winning streak, with all but one of those seven wins coming via finishes.
Needless to say, all eyes are on Adiwang’s next performance, and he needs just a handful of victories left before he enters the title conversation.
“I feel like I only need a few more wins to be considered a title contender, especially sitting in the top five right now. But of course, I’ll let ONE Championship decide whether I’m ready or not. I just have to focus on getting better with each fight. That’s my main goal,” said Adiwang.
“I am happy to be labeled as one of Team Lakay’s next biggest stars. I’m on my way to proving that I deserve this status, and I want to make all of my dreams present and reality. It’s a long, hard road to the top, but I’m willing to give whatever it takes to reach my dreams.”
Against Minowa, Adiwang faces a formidable foe who sports a similar professional record and a common career trajectory. Just like Adiwang, Minowa is a proven finisher, having ended all 10 of his victories inside the distance, along the way capturing the Shooto Strawweight championship.
Minowa is making his ONE Championship debut and wants to shake things up in a big way. A win over one of the promotion’s most promising talents in Adiwang would certainly make waves in the division.
“Fans can expect an exciting and a good show every time I step into the Circle. I will always give my best in every fight. I want to thank everyone for their support. It means a lot to me,” said Adiwang.
“I’m not taking Minowa lightly. I know he is a good finisher, just like I am. So I can’t get caught. I have to maintain my concentration heading into this. If I can beat him decisively, I think that should move me up in the rankings. I’m looking forward to a good, fun fight.”
