MMA: No pressure, just motivation for Iniong as husband, father watch her bout

MANILA -- Gina “Conviction” Iniong doesn’t feel pressure as she prepares to fight in "ONE: Fire and Fury" with her husband and her father watching her for the first time.

Instead, she feels inspired going into the cage knowing that her loved ones will be present inside the Mall of Asia Arena to cheer for her.

“Talagang naghanda ako sa laban kong 'to kasi manonood ang tatay ko at asawa ko,” said Iniong in an open training recently.

Iniong, who married Richard Araos only last October, will be squaring off against Indian knockout artist Asha Roka in a battle between 2 potent female strikers.

Iniong admitted that at first, her husband was hesitant about her career in combat sports, especially while she was preparing for the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. There, she competed as a kickboxer and won a gold medal.

"Nung una, nag-aalangan siya na payagan ako nung sa SEA Games, kasi nga kakatapos lang nung kasal namin, tapos wala akong training," she said.

"Pero nung nakita niya na pursigido ako na gusto kong mag-laro, pinayagan niya ako tapos makikita mo naman na very proud siya nung awarding, naka-smile, pinipicturan kami.”

The SEA Games gold, she said, gave her a mental boost.

“Pagkapanalo ko sa SEA Games mas nadagdagan ang confidence ko, kaya abangan nyo,” she said.

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