The 32-year-old striker will square off against Uzbekistan’s Avazbek Kholmirzaev in a flyweight MMA bout scheduled for three five-minute rounds. The matchup has been finalized, with both camps agreeing to terms, GMA News Online learned.
Miado recently snapped a four-fight skid against Gilbert Nakatani after moving up to the flyweight division earlier this year. He believes competing at 125 pounds has unlocked a sharper and better version of himself.
“Mas komportable talaga ako sa flyweight,” the Albay native said. “Mas magaan 'yung katawan ko, mas mabilis ako gumalaw, at hindi na ganun kabigat yung cut. Ramdam ko na mas natural sa akin 'yung weight class, kaya mas nakakapagpakita ako ng totoong laro.”
“The Jaguar” is also banking on this new chapter to spark a late-career resurgence that could push him back into title fight conversations.
“Simple lang goal ko: makabalik sa winning streak at umangat ulit sa division. Step by step. Ayoko magmadali, gusto ko patunayan ulit yung sarili ko na mas may mai-improve pa yung Jeremy Miado noon.”
Standing in his way is a dangerous rising contender in Kholmirzaev. Eight years the junior of Miado, he enters the bout riding a five-fight winning streak. “Ninzya” has also finished four of his last five opponents under the ONE Championship banner.
ONE Fight Night 38 will be headlined by a bantamweight world title showdown between reigning champion Fabricio Andrade of Brazil and Physical: Asia standout Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu of Mongolia.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News