SUMMARY
- American Muay Thai fighter Sean Climaco is set to make his ONE Championship debut.
- Climaco will go up against Josue Cruz at ONE Fight Night 22.
Debuting in the world’s largest martial arts organization would make some athletes jittery. But after a dazzling run through the eight-man Road to ONE tournament in the United States, Sean Climaco is ready to show what he’s all about.
Following three consecutive knockouts to earn a six-figure ONE Championship contract, Climaco can’t wait to step on the biggest stage against Josue “Tuzo” Cruz at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video live in U.S. primetime on Friday, May 3. Determined to bring all the intensity and a memorable performance at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, he said this fight will be a barnburner.
“Fans should expect technical violence. I’ve got knockout power in both my hands and hard kicks. I have an aggressive and exciting fighting style,” he said.
View this post on Instagram
The Filipino-American knows that he is plunging into the stacked flyweight Muay Thai ranks with the likes of reigning king Rodtang Jitmuangnon, #1 contender Superlek Kiatmoo9, and many other elite fighters.
“It’s an honor to compete and be in the same weight class as these guys, but I’m not going to let all the media and the lights affect me once it’s time to fight. I think I’m fully prepared for that,” he said. With such confidence, it’s no wonder that Climaco feels he is ready to make a mark by defeating Cruz in a big way.
Sean Climaco aims for knockout finish at ONE Fight Night 22
Facing a formidable opponent like Josue Cruz who boasts a 17-2 professional record, Sean Climaco said he studied the Mexican striker to get a feel of what might happen. But eventually, he will bring only his best come ONE Fight Night 22.
“I think he’s going to come out and take his time. He might come out differently than he does in his fights that you see online. Sometimes guys are going to fight like they see red and start swinging like crazy trying to get the $50,000 bonus. [But] I’m just gonna fight my fight,” he said.
View this post on Instagram
One thing’s for sure, Climaco is not rushing to get his work done. “The ideal way to win would be a knockout, but I’m not going to force it. I always fight to hurt my opponent, not score points. But I also have to fight smart. You can’t be reckless with the little gloves. I see myself finishing him in the second round,” Climaco said.
Carrying all these lofty expectations, Climaco is confident that he’ll get rid of his debut jitters by finishing his foe in under six minutes.