Julaton eyes impressive MMA debut at One FC card

MANILA, Philippines – Fil-Am Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton is making a monumental jump from the boxing ring to the mixed martial arts cage.

Julaton, the former women's World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Association super bantamweight championships, will make her MMA debut in ONE Fighting Championship as she takes on Egyptian kickboxing champion Aya Saeid Saber in the ONE FC: Rise of Heroes set May 2 at the MOA Arena.

"All fighters want to fight on the biggest stage. Manny Pacquiao did that and I feel that ONE FC could provide that," said the 33-year-old Julaton, who had 13 wins, four losses and a draw before hanging up her gloves to throw her hat to the MMA ring.

"(UFC chief) Victor (Cui) and I talked a couple of years back about this, so when he asked me if I want to fight in Manila, I said yes,” Julaton continued.

"It's like a dream. I'm a woman in a male-dominated sport. It's not easy being a fighter and a woman. I live in the US but my heritage is here in the Phl so I'm deeply honored to be here," she added.

After carving a niche in world professional boxing, Julaton is bringing her act in the One Fighting Championship.

Though she excelled most in boxing, Julaton isn't a stranger to other martial arts as she is also a blackbelter in taekwondo and bok fu, an art that is a mix of kung fu, kenpo karate and shotokan.

Another fighter Filipinos should also cheer for is Eugene Toquero, who will tangle with undefeated Malaysian Gianni Subba.

They will fight in the undercard bouts of bantamweight title duel between reigning champion Bibiano Fernandes of Brazil and former Shooto champion and OneFC grand prix winner Masakatsu Ueda of Japan.