Jomary Torres has experienced more downs than ups in recent years. The Filipina is winless in her last five fights and last tasted victory nearly three years ago.
Things will not be getting any easier for her this Friday as she is booked to face Ritu Phogat at ONE: ‘Big Bang’. Torres knows it won’t be easy against the undefeated Indian but is determined to take advantage of any opportunities that might arise on fight night,
“We’re going to look for our chances and openings. We all know that it won’t be easy matching her wrestling but we’ve been studying her. If a chance presents itself we’ll take it.”
Rookie errors
Torres is a veteran of nine MMA fights and eight of them have taken place under the ONE Championship banner. She has an advantage in terms of experience and hopes her opponent is going to make some rookie errors,
“She is really good, but she is human as well. She can make mistakes and we’re hoping to capitalize on that.”
However Torres has been extremely impressed by what she has seen of Phogat so far,
“She’s world champion material. I believe it’s only a matter of time, especially since she comes from a great camp like Evolve. Everything she needs to improve and break out are all taken care of.”
Striking skills
Phogat comes from a wrestling background but Torres is impressed by her opponent’s striking skills too,
“Based on her last match, she’s really peaking. Of course, her wrestling is still her main weapon, but her boxing is pretty good, too. She uses that boxing to set up her takedowns, and that’s why I have to be very careful.”
She trains under Rene Catalan. He is facing a wrestler this Friday too, the veteran strawweight has been matched with Bokang Masunyane at ONE: ‘Big Bang’.
Takedown defence must have been high on the agenda at Catalan Fighting Systems during the past few months. But Torres is hoping to let her hands go on Friday,
“I respect her boxing skills (and) I think they’re improving but I believe I’m better on the feet.”
Patriotic pride
The Philippines has been hard hit by Covid-19 and Torres’ compatriot Danny Kingad was pulled from this card after one of his cornermen tested positive. It is something the 26 year old is very conscious of heading into this fight and she wants to give the fans back home something to cheer about,
“I’m very motivated to do it for my family (because) they’ve been going through some tough times and, of course, for the Philippines as well. I am determined to win this match.”
