MMA has a funny habit of delivering the highest highs and the lowest lows. The Philippines’ Jomary Torres is certainly no stranger to this emotional rollercoaster, having experienced plenty of both in her four years as a professional.
The 24 year-old stormed onto the scene in ONE Championship’s atomweight division back in 2017. Arriving with one decision victory under her belt from URCC, the young Filipina announced her arrival in style when she scored a second round submission win over home-favourite Rika Ishige in Bangkok.
Having followed up that win with a decision win over Indonesia’s Nita Dea, she then took her record to an impressive 4-0 with a 40 second knockout of compatriot April Osenio.
Injury hit
But having taken up residence on cloud nine, she was brought crashing back down to earth, going on to lose her next four contests which she believes is mostly down to bad luck with injury,
“In my first loss till my fourth I got a severe ankle injury during my training. That’s why I did not train well and I did not apply it in my fights. My injury affects me.”
She last stepped into the cage at ONE: ‘Fire & Fury’ back in January but luck and indeed, victory, continued to elude her as the bout was ruled a ‘no contest’ due to opponent Jenny Huang landing what were deemed to be low blows with knees in the clinch.
It is an outcome which Torres found particularly frustrating,
“My goal was to win in the match and to show the public that I am hungry to get back to winning ways, I did not want the fight to end like that.”
Tough time
Despite enduring a tough patch in her burgeoning career, ‘The Zamboanginian Fighter’ continues to draw strength from the famously passionate fans in the Philippines,
“I really love my fans, they have been helping me with my confidence. They are supporting me every time I win and even if I lose.”
Much like the rest of the world, the Philippines is currently suffering under the weight of the coronavirus, or Covid-19. Torres who trains under fellow ONE Championship fighter Rene Catalan, is making sure she remains sharp,
“It is good, we still do train because I want to be ready anytime so if ONE will offer me a fight. I can say ‘yes!'”
When that call comes, she has no preference in terms of potential opponent, preferring to focus on her next bout as another big opportunity to get back in that much sought-after win column
“Anyone, anytime, I’ll be ready. I am thirsty and hungry to win again.”
