Angelie Sabanal On The Lookout For Better Future
Credit to Author: Tempo Online| Date: Wed, 05 Jun 2019 11:17:03 +0000
Angelie “D Explorer” Sabanal believes the best is yet to come for her career.
The Philippine national Muay Thai silver medalist will make her ONE Championship return on Saturday, 15 June.
She is scheduled to face Japan’s Itsuki “Strong Heart Fighter” Hirata in a three-round atomweight affair at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST, which takes place at the Baoshan Arena in Shanghai, China.
After a stunning win over Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige in her promotional debut at ONE: IRON WILL in March 2018, Sabanal lost to Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol via decision in her next bout at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM last November.
Far from disappointed, the Cagayan de Oro City native used that setback to move forward and build up her skill set.
“My loss last November was more of a blessing in disguise because it showed me my weaknesses and the things that I need to work on,” she said.
“I learned a lot after that fight in Jakarta. Now I’m even more dedicated as I want to achieve more in this sport.”
Standing in her way is Hirata, an unbeaten Japanese warrior who has submitted all of the opponents she has faced on the amateur level. She hopes to be just as dominant in her professional mixed martial arts debut in China.
Although the Filipina had difficulties scouting her foe, she knows enough not to get too comfortable with her in the grappling department.
“I don’t know much about her, but I know that she’s very dangerous on the ground,” Sabanal explained.
“That’s why I’m working on all aspects of my game, so I will be ready with whatever she throws at me in our match.”
Seven months removed from that night, the 29-year-old bared that she has worked double-time to tighten up her game.
By the time she enters the ring at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST, fans should expect to see a heavily-improved “D Explorer.”
“I have been busy, and I made sure to work on my overall game. After my match in Jakarta, I was back to training to work on my weaknesses from that bout,” she explained.
“I know that with determination, everything is possible. That is what I will show in China. Expect a faster and more well-rounded Angelie Sabanal on June 15.”