There was tons of drama and action in the third episode of ONE Warrior Series Philippines as the show saw three action packed sparring showdowns coupled with a shocking two-man elimination in the end.
In the end, Team Gravity lost another man in Ely Fernandez while Team Passion dropped their first warrior in Joker Oliveros three weeks into the competition.
Team Gravity lost Christian Paul Laurio in episode 1 and Ralf “Noy” Francisco in episode 2.
Of all the three episodes, this one is certainly the most action-packed as it saw Team Gravity’s Joevincent So and Team Passion’s Joker Oliveros, two men who rubbed each other the wrong way throughout the show, square off.
The match totally lived-up to its hype as So and Oliveros both had their moments, but as the fight went on, it was So’s composure and Oliveros’ emotions which really stood out.
There was a moment there where Oliveros was heard saying some unpleasant things to So which didn’t really sit well with the Team Lakay coaches. Before the sparring ended, So tagged Oliveros with a well-timed right hook which sent the Team Passion warrior down, albeit he was saved by the bell.
That late surge from So, coupled with Oliveros’ attitude was enough for the Team Lakay coaches to make the decision in sending him home.
“I called for Joker backstage, I really wished the camera wasn’t around. I really care for this kid, I told him that his attitude will determine his altitude,” Team Gravity coach Geje Eustaquio said.
“MMA and martial arts doesn’t end with just being a great fighter. What we’re looking for here is someone who would represent the Philippines, someone who’d carry the Team Lakay flag into ONE Championship,” Sangiao added.
The next bout, on the other hand, saw a finish from Team Passion’s JM Guntayon as he reversed an earlier takedown from Fernandez before working on a rear naked choke which led to the Team Gravity warrior’s elimination.
The last bout was probably the most entertaining as Team Gravity’s Sheraz Qureshi battled through a knee injury to face the fiery Marvin Malunes of Team Passion in an awesome back and forth battle.
With both fighters displaying heart, they were easily ruled out in the elimination process and stayed alive for the competition.
Though they lost another man, Eustaquio believes they’re finally turning the tide.
“The momentum is starting to shift to our side, it’s like a Cinderella story. Let’s see what the future holds.”
By Armando M. Bolislis
