Filipino Muay Thai fighter Islay Erika Bomogao returns to action as a full-fledged ONE Championship athlete when she faces Nerea Rubio in a 103-pound clash at ONE Friday Fights 102 on Thursday, March 28, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 24-year-old earned a ONE contract after just two impressive performances in the promotion’s weekly Friday Fights series. Her rapid rise speaks volumes about ONE’s confidence in her potential to compete with the world’s elite strikers.
“Being an athlete for years, I’ve been through a lot already. So pressure is something I know how to handle well,” Bomogao said. “I’ve got an amazing team and family who constantly remind me of my potential and to just focus.”
Bomogao arrived in ONE with an outstanding amateur pedigree. She was the top-ranked IFMA fighter in her weight class and a multiple-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist. She seamlessly transitioned to the professional ranks with dominant unanimous decision victories over Japan’s Fuu and China’s Ran Longshu.
In those fights, the Baguio City native showcased her unique “Pinoy Style” Muay Thai. Her style is characterized by graceful movements and unpredictable strikes from unusual angles. Despite her success so far, Bomogao believes she’s still developing as a professional fighter.
“I’m honestly still getting the hang of it. I’ve been [fighting as an] amateur for years and so the transition to pro is quite challenging,” she said. “However, with every fight, I’m able to adjust and improve.”
With higher expectations now placed upon her shoulders, Bomogao remains unfazed. She credits her extensive competitive experience and support system for her ability to handle the pressure that comes with her rising profile.
The Team Bagsik representative has demonstrated her ability to dance around opponents while delivering strikes from unconventional angles, but she believes there’s still room for growth as she adapts to the professional ranks.
For her upcoming featured bout against Rubio, Bomogao has set clear objectives. While she aims to implement her team’s strategy throughout the three-round contest, she’s also hunting for her first finish in ONE Championship.
“My goal is to just execute our game plan from round one to three. But when I get the chance to finish her, I will,” Bomogao said.
The match represents another opportunity for Bomogao to showcase her growth as a professional and continue her upward trajectory in ONE’s striking divisions. With her combination of skill, potential, and personality, she appears poised to become the next Filipino martial arts superstar.