The Philippines is set to witness history as Islay Erika Bomogao becomes the first homegrown Muay Thai athlete to compete in ONE Championship. Bomogao is scheduled to make her debut on November 8 at ONE Friday Fights 86, taking on Fuu in a highly anticipated 100-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

A Rising Star in the World of Muay Thai

At just 23 years old, Bomogao has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the amateur Muay Thai scene. She has earned multiple SEA Games gold medals and became the first Filipina to claim the title of Muay Thai Champion. Her triumph over Sarah Kwa propelled her to the top of the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) 45-kilogram rankings, cementing her status as one of the world’s best Muay Thai fighters.

As Bomogao prepares for her professional debut, she expresses a mix of excitement and gratitude. “I really dreamed of this opportunity. It wasn’t too long ago when I was just watching Team Lakay back then, and it’s really one of my dreams,” she shared. “Being able to achieve this today and be in this position, I’m very fulfilled.”

Breaking New Ground for Filipino Muay Thai

Bomogao’s debut is particularly significant as she will be the first homegrown Filipino to compete in ONE Championship’s Muay Thai division. While other fighters of Filipino descent, such as Jackie Buntan, Eddie Abasolo, and Sean Climaco, have competed in Muay Thai, they were all born and raised in the United States, where access to top-tier Muay Thai and kickboxing gyms is more prevalent.

Now, Bomogao is determined to prove that local Filipino talent can compete on the global stage. Representing Team Bagsik, she is ready to showcase her skills in “The Art of Eight Limbs” and carry the Philippine flag proudly in the ONE Championship ring.

“I feel happy, and of course, there’s pressure being the first homegrown fighter to represent the Philippines in Muay Thai for ONE Championship,” Bomogao admitted. “Making a first impression is very important, especially for those who are looking to follow in my footsteps into professional Muay Thai. There’s pressure because I want to pave the way for all the Muay Thai fighters in the Philippines.”

A Big Night for Filipino Fighters at ONE Friday Fights 86

Bomogao won’t be the only Filipino making waves at ONE Friday Fights 86. She will be joined by fellow Cordilleran and Team Lakay standout Carlos Alvarez, who is set to face Mirza Aliev in a featherweight MMA bout. Additionally, T-Rex MMA’s Fritz Biagtan will take on Sayedali Asli in a flyweight MMA contest. The event is shaping up to be a significant night for Filipino combat sports, with multiple fighters showcasing their talents on a global platform.

The Road Ahead for Islay Erika Bomogao

As she steps into the spotlight, Bomogao hopes to inspire a new generation of Filipino Muay Thai practitioners. Her journey from being an avid fan of Team Lakay to making her professional debut in ONE Championship exemplifies the passion and dedication required to reach the top of the sport. With her impressive amateur record and commitment to excellence, Bomogao is poised to make a memorable first impression and blaze a trail for future athletes in the Philippines.

Don’t miss Islay Erika Bomogao’s historic ONE Championship debut on November 8 at ONE Friday Fights 86, live from Lumpinee Stadium. It’s more than just a fight; it’s a momentous occasion for Filipino martial arts.