Ana vows to trounce Russian

Fil-Am mixed martial arts fighter Ana (Hurricane) Julaton is looking to turn Irina Mazepa into a rag-doll stepping stone to a rematch against Malaysia’s Ann Osman but she’s been warned not to take the Russian lightly when they face off in a three-rounder at the ONE Championship “Spirit of Champions” bill in the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on Dec. 11.

Julaton, 35, lost to Osman on a disputed split decision in Dubai last year. Then, Mazepa knocked out Osman before a stunned hometown crowd in Kuala Lumpur last month. Anthony Suntay, the Filipino ONE Championship cage announcer, said he never imagined Osman would be taken out by a single punch.

“The Malaysian promoter wanted Ann’s fight to end the night so the fans could go home happy,” said Suntay. “That’s how confident he was that Ann wouldn’t lose. But Irina surprised us all. She’s a striker like Ana. I’ve never seen a female MMA fighter hit as hard. It won’t be an easy fight for Ana.”

Julaton said after disposing of Mazepa, she wants to avenge her defeat to Osman. It’s the only blemish in her ONE Championship record which lists a win over Aya Saber of Egypt by technical knockout and a decision over another Egyptian Walaa Abbas Mohamed Kamaly. Julaton is unbeaten in two MOA Arena bouts so far.

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While Julaton has a striking background as a former WBO/IBA superbantamweight champion, she’s been working on her grappling technique with wrestling coach Ricky Lundell for over a year. Julaton’s long-time boxing coach Angelo Reyes called Lundell the Freddie Roach of MMA. Lundell, 29, is a Gracie Brazilian jiu jitsu second degree black belter and widely considered the most technical fighter in his class. He’s a two-time Pancrase (submission wrestling) world champion at 149 pounds and a former Absolute Pancrase world titleholder. Also in Julaton’s corner is strength and conditioning guru David Gavic, the founder of Hybrid Performance in Las Vegas.

Julaton said she respects Mazepa but isn’t giving her a chance to win. “I think Irina is competitive and in shape,” Julaton told The STAR. “She built momentum for herself by winning via knockout against her last opponent, Ann Osman, in Osman’s hometown. I’ve fought a few other women fighters with the same qualities. Fighters who were in shape with KO power and I’ve beaten them. As a world champion boxer, I understand what I’m up against and train accordingly. I have a world-class team with head coach Ricky, known in the MMA world as a legend in wrestling and jiu jitsu, Angelo and David.”

If Mazepa will engage Julaton in a stand-up fight, the Fil-Am might just go to the ground and surprise the Russian. The idea is not to play into Mazepa’s hands. “Coach Ricky has devised a game plan that will shock the fans across the globe and everyone has been working hard to implement it on a daily basis,” said Julaton. “My team and I have been working extremely hard and I look forward to showcase what I’ve been working on. Get ready for fireworks and grand slams in the cage.”

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Mazepa will make only her second appearance with ONE Championship but she’s well-known as a dangerous striker because of her knockout over Osman. Julaton said she’ll do what it takes to bring her down.

“I’m so thankful to my Filipino fans for all the support over the past decade,” said Julaton. “Maraming, maraming salamat. Living the life as a professional fighter, representing my parents’ homeland, winning world titles in boxing and now fighting on the MMA stage – it’s all been a dream come true for me. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Filipino people all over the world. Stay tuned on Dec. 11 when I come back to the MOA Arena to fight.”

Julaton is expected to fly in from her training base in Las Vegas on Dec. 4 or 7. Reyes said Mazepa is no patsy and he expects a war. “Mazepa’s a powerful striker,” said Reyes. “To see what she did to Osman in front of a sold-out hometown crowd was spectacular. When Mazepa knocked Osman out cold, it sent shockwaves all over the MMA world that she’s one of the best and most talented female fighters in MMA Asia.  Manila will definitely see an explosive match. I can’t wait for our kababayan to see the best MMA version of Ana we’ve ever seen.”

Reyes said since Lundell came on board last year, Julaton has been transformed from a one-dimensional striker into a complete MMA fighter with grappling skills. “Their first fight working together was a victory over Abbas last December and Ana’s improvement in MMA was evident as she scored her first takedown ever.” Since the win, Julaton has crossed over back to the ring and defeated Yolanda Segura in Mexico last March. Julaton’s ability to switch from boxing to MMA and back has made her a popular figure in the fight scene. Whether it’s in the ring or cage, Julaton said she’s out to win for the Philippines.