MANILA, Philippines – Mixed martial arts and politics are two different fields, but it did not prevent homegrown talent Geje Eustaquio from delivering a strong message regarding the Philippine general elections on May 9.
It is customary for prizefighters to set their gloves aside and talk about their preparations for their upcoming bouts at a pre-fight press conference, but Eustaquio diverted from the usual by calling on his countrymen to support whoever wins in the elections.
Eustaquio cited that many Filipinos clamor for change, but according to him, change cannot be achieved without complete acceptance of its results and total support of the newly-elected officials.
“Change won’t happen without our help. Change will always start within us. Always put that in your minds. We are responsible individuals and responsible citizens. And I am pretty sure that we will change the president,” he stated.
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Geje Eustaquio calls on every Pinoy to support whoever wins in the elections. <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom">@rapplerdotcom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PHVote?src=hash">#PHVote</a> <a href="https://t.co/dXt30Fq2cD">pic.twitter.com/dXt30Fq2cD</a></p>— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nissi_Icasiano/status/720513090882793473">April 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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However, when asked on who among the presidential candidates will he support, Eustaquio declined to reveal his choice and opted to keep it confidential.
“I would like to consider that confidential,” the 26-year-old Team Lakay standout said in jest.
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Geje Eustaquio refuses to answer which candidate he will support. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ONEFightnight?src=hash">#ONEFightnight</a> <a href="https://t.co/PuDLOdtzp8">pic.twitter.com/PuDLOdtzp8</a></p>— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nissi_Icasiano/status/720520826794176512">April 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Eustaquio is scheduled to don the country’s colors on Friday, April 15 as he faces Malaysian flyweight Gianni Subba in the co-headliner of ONE Championship’s “Global Rivals” event, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Many observers suggest that Subba presents a stiff test to Eustaquio due to his well-rounded background, but the latter says that he is prepared for wherever the fight goes.
“Gianni knows that I have the edge in terms of striking and endurance. He will be coming to this fight with all of his wrestling and jiu-jitsu arsenal. This makes me happy because once and for all I will test my grappling skills,” Eustaquio told Rappler.
If he secures an impressive victory over Subba, Eustaquio might place himself on the verge of another shot at ONE Championship’s world flyweight title, but he prefers to take the long road to a second championship crack than prematurely vie for the gold-plated strap.
“I don't race to be in line for that belt, but I'm racing to perfection in MMA,” he stressed. – Rappler.com