Eustaquio remains grateful despite bout’s cancellation

MANILA, Philippines – Although his scheduled bout on Friday, December 11 was cancelled on short notice, Filipino fighter Geje Eustaquio remains appreciative for the opportunity that was given to him.

Eustaquio was supposedly slated to face China’s Yang Jian Bing in a 3-round flyweight contest as part of ONE Championship’s “Spirit of Champions” fight card, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

According to a Team Lakay member, who requested anonymity, Yang failed to meet the allowable non-title flyweight limit of 126 pounds, prompting ONE officials to cancel the marquee undercard match-up. (READ: Source: Eustaquio’s foe fails to make weight; ONE FC scraps bout)

Both men did not attend the official weigh-in on Thursday, December 10 at SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall in Pasay City as ONE had a tight-lipped response regarding the issue.

In a short conversation with Rappler after the official weigh-in, Eustaquio confided that Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization is currently looking for a short-notice replacement, but he is unsure of ONE’s back-up plan. 

However, he announced in his personal Facebook account on Friday morning, December 11 that ONE decided to scratch his appearance at ONE: Spirit of Champions. 

“Sorry to let you know fellas that our fight tonight will not push through,” Eustaquio wrote.

Eustaquio also revealed that his Chinese opponent was rushed to the hospital after suffering dehydration and possible heat stroke. 

“Our prayers goes to you for fast recovery. There’s a lot of lesson along the way. Keep learning my friend because I believe we have chosen one of the toughest but happiest job,” he said of Yang.

Despite the cancellation of his match against Yang, Eustaquio is still in high spirits and added that he understands his current situation. 

“To ONE championship, thank you for the opportunity and for believing us,” he stated. “I might have missed the opportunity to show you how I improve into this sports but God’s plan always supersedes our plan simply because He knew what’s best for us.” 

Eustaquio (6-4) was aiming to rebound from a two-fight losing skid and has not won a single bout since outpointing Kentaro Watanabe in June 2014 to earn the opportunity to vie for the inaugural ONE flyweight championship against Adriano Moraes. 

During that stretch, the 26-year-old Team Lakay representative yielded to Moraes via second-round submission in September 2014 before Anatpong Bunrad spoiled Eustaquio’s road back to another ONE flyweight title shot as the Thai kickboxer walked away with a split decision victory this past April.

ONE Championship also hit a snag early this week when Fil-Am Brandon Vera’s main event foe was switched at the last minute to Paul Cheng instead of Chi Lewis Parry.

According to ONE’s statement, Parry failed to submit required medical records and did not board the plane from London on Tuesday, December 8. (READ: ONE FC boss admits Paul Cheng was Brandon Vera’s back-up foe)

Vera and Cheng will battle for the inaugural heavyweight world championship Friday. – Rappler.com