Promotional newcomer Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado (6-1) entered the cage as an undefeated fighter against Filipino compatriot, Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan (5-2), at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY in Manila.
However, after three exceptionally hard-fought rounds, it was Catalan’s high-intensity wrestling and ground control that saw him take the split decision, handing Miado his first career defeat.
The first stanza was an explosive one. Both men are known as formidable strikers, but it was Catalan who opened the books, with a double leg takedown that saw his opponent clocking up some extra air miles. It would set the scene for the rest of the fight.
Not to be outdone, Manila resident Miado responded in kind, and used his attacking leg lock game to set up scrambles and work back to the feet. Each martial artist threw with huge power in the striking exchanges, as the stockier Catalan tried to counter whenever “The Jaguar” entered his range.
With the frantic action from the first round wearing heavily on Catalan, he went to work early on in the second stanza to try and drag things to the mat. A former IFMA World Muay Thai Champion, his wrestling-heavy offensive no doubt took Miado by surprise.
However, it was the Sucuri MMA product who looked to be gaining ground on the feet, landing some punishing knees to the body and sprawling hard. Miado tried to pick up the pace, but Catalan’s intent to get to top position on the ground saw him spend considerable time inside Miado’s guard in top position.
With everything to fight for coming into the final round, it seemed that it was going to be Miado’s striking pitted against Catalan’s wrestling. Trying hard to cling to his unbeaten record, Miado came close with a huge uppercut and a guillotine attempt. However, time after time, “The Ilonggo” somehow found the energy reserves to pick his strawweight foe up over his head, slamming Miado to the mat with intent.
In the end, it was the repeated takedowns that earned him the split decision nod, with one judge siding with Miado’s attempts to finish the fight. Catalan moves to 6-2 with an excellent scalp to his credit, and a much more well-rounded game than previously seen. “The Jaguar,” meanwhile, drops to 6-1.
At this stage, to take a loss could work wonders for the young Filipino. How he adapts and improves from the tough battle could determine his future.
