Julaton to surprise Osman

Because of her boxing background, it’s expected that former two-time WBO/IBA female superbantamweight queen Ana (Hurricane) Julaton will rely more on striking than ground fighting as she evolves into a serious mixed martial arts (MMA) title contender.

So far, Julaton has figured in only one MMA bout, halting Egypt’s Aya Saeid Saber at 3:59 of the third round with a barrage of punches and elbows in a ONE FC card at the Mall of Asia Arena last May. She makes her second appearance as a ONE FC fighter against Malaysia’s Ann (Athena) Osman in Dubai on Aug. 29.

Julaton, 34, said she realizes to become the first-ever Filipina ONE FC champion, her “weak” points must be addressed and that means working on her ground technique. Whatever has to be done, the Fil-Am fighter said she’s determined to do.

“Going back to training camp, I focused on many aspects of where I felt my MMA game was weak,” she told The Star in a recent email. “Ultimately, my goal to become a ONE FC champion will materialize as I continue to improve on my overall game, something I’m very excited to showcase in Dubai. MMA is demanding yet fun. The ground game is exciting because it opens a new level of inspiration to train and learn. I expect all of my opponents to test my ground technique and I look forward to surprising them with what I’m working on.”

Osman, 28, may be in for a shock when she battles Julaton. If the Malaysian computer science degree holder expects to face just a striker in Dubai, she might find herself groping on the ground. Like Julaton, Osman is booked for her second MMA fight. She lost a split decision to Sherilyn Lim in Singapore last October and a rematch was cancelled when Lim failed to make weight five months later.  Osman would like nothing better than to claim her first MMA win at Julaton’s expense.

For Julaton, the journey to the top is a learning process. “Gaining fight experience is always an advantage in combat sports,” she said. “Being able to add more arsenal to my boxing and martial arts experience in a professional setting sets the tone for my ability and gameplan. Although I only have one MMA fight under my belt, spending over a decade in boxing and fighting at a world-class level inspires me to try new things in MMA and make it my own. My approach in MMA will be different than what some may expect.”

Julaton said while she’s thrilled to participate in ONE FC events, the door isn’t closed to a comeback in professional boxing. The problem is the top superbantamweight boxers are avoiding her like the plague. Take, for instance, WBA female champion Yesica Marcos of Argentina. Julaton has a score to settle with Marcos to whom she lost a decision in 2012. Marcos, 28, is unbeaten with a 23-0-2 record, including 7 KOs, and Julaton remains the only fighter who has knocked her down. Julaton travelled to Marcos’ hometown in Mendoza, Argentina, to stake her crown and fought courageously under hostile conditions. She’s been itching for a rematch and it’s been two years that Marcos has turned a blind eye. Julaton gave Marcos a chance to win the title. Surely, Marcos must reciprocate in the spirit of sportsmanship and give Julaton the opportunity to regain it.

“I still look forward to boxing,” said Julaton whose professional boxing record is 13-4-1, with 2 KOs. “Though I will admit, it’s daunting to not have the opportunity to fight Marcos and other world champs like Jackie Nava and Marcela Acuna, the best and most popular female fighters in my division, on a stage deserving of that type of fights. Certainly, you can see why MMA through organizations like ONE FC is the fastest growing sport in the world.”

Julaton said after beating Saber last May, actor and MMA practitioner Jason Chambers asked if she would consider becoming a full-time MMA fighter. “I told him and the 20,000 people at the Mall of Asia Arena and the one billion viewers throughout the world, that I wouldn’t be surprised if I take the leap into MMA full time,” she said. “I love the martial arts and ONE FC is the ultimate stage to showcase how great of an overall fighter you are. MMA recognizes all the best fighters in the world and gender has not been an issue.

“In fact, women’s MMA globally has rivalled the men’s side in popularity the same way tennis has and that is a great thing for our sport. Innovators like Victor Cui understand the business of combat sports. By next year, don’t be surprised if ONE FC becomes No. 1 in TV ratings as a sporting event in all of Asia. I’m thankful to Victor for continuing to support our passion as martial artists. Like in all my boxing matches, I always promise excitement in the ONE FC cage every time I fight.

“Nevertheless, I’m still training and I’m game for any possibility in boxing. Both Bob Arum and Lou Dibella recently spoke to me about some matchups so stay tuned. I’m grateful to Allan Tremblay and Victor Cui for supporting my goal of continuing to become the very best two-sport combat athlete in the world.”

Julaton said in the gym, she is focused on developing into a complete MMA fighter. “Bruce Lee was once quoted as saying ‘I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times,’” she said. “That is so true in boxing where a boxer can find success with a superior jab. In MMA, I consistently work on positioning, timing points, things that I’ve learned in boxing and applied to my MMA techniques. But of course, I like to keep my range of weaponry in the cage subtle and in secrecy.”