Japeth Aguilar joins Ana Julaton corner in ONE FC: Warrior's Way

MANILA, Philippines – Brgy. Ginebra Kings’ power forward Japeth Aguilar will trade the ball for towel when he joins Fil-Am boxer-turned MMA fighter Ana “The Hurricane” Julatons’ corner in her ONE FC fight Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar made a surprise appearance during Thursday’s official weigh-in in the Mall of Asia main atrium wearing Team Julaton jacket.

Aguilar becomes the second basketball player to join Julaton’s corner in ONE FC. During her debut also in Manila last year, the former WBO Super Bantamweight and IBA Super Bantamweight champion brought in NBA player Ronny Turiaf along as the veteran big man joined Julaton in her march to octagon.

“Magkakilala na kami ni Ana nung nasa states (US) pa ako. Nagkasama kami when I did boxing as part of my cross-training nung naghahanda ako for NBA D-League,” Aguilar said after the weigh-in.

“So nung tinawagan niya ako to join her corner, hindi na ako nagdalawang isip,” Aguilar added.

Aguilar was there to witness Julaton officially scaled the flyweight limit coming in at 125 lbs, the same weight of her Egyptain opponent Walaa Abas.  

The Brgy. Ginebra power forward was timid during the weigh-in and careful not to take the spotlight away from Julaton.

“Bago ang experience na ‘to sa akin. I’ve never watched an MMA fight live before. Sana manalo siya at lahat ng mga Pilipino na lalaban,” Aguilar said.

Asked if what is his specific role in Julaton's team, Aguilar smilingly answered: "Ako taga-hawak ng towel niya bukas."

Aside from Julaton, there will be five more Filipino fighters who will see action in the ONE FC: Warriors’ Way that will start at 7 p.m. and will be aired live in Asia by Fox Sports 3 and locally via slightly delayed telecast on IBC-13.

Fil-Am Brandon Vera, the former UFC star, will debut in ONE FC against URCC heavyweight champion Igor Subura. Team Lakay fighters Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingo and Honorio Banario will also fight in the main card.

Another Filipina in Jujeath Nagaowa will see action in the undercard against Tharoth Sam. Nagaowa will also be joined by UF Hall of Famer Dan Severn in her corner.