Rene Catalan guarantees a gold medal for the Philippines at SEA Games

MANILA - Rene Catalan was back on the grind shortly after his failed world title bid against the reigning ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio of Team Lakay.

Catalan, who holds a professional MMA record of 6-3-1, tasted his first defeat in five years after he was made to tap in the second round by Pacio in the main event of ONE: Masters of Fate last November 8.

Instead of mourning his loss, Catalan opted to learn from the experience and swiftly moved forward as he found himself back in the gym just two days later to prepare his Sambo stint in the upcoming 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

"I went back to training right after the fight. I have to prepare because I will be representing the Philippine flag," said Catalan.

"I told myself that there's no time to take a break because the fight is near."

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

His recent setback also added fuel to the fire according to Catalan, as he now felt an urgent need to get back to his winning ways in the biennial sports meet.

"I am more motivated after losing to Joshua Pacio. I told myself that I'm going to use the lessons I've learned in SEA Games and my upcoming fights in ONE Championship," he shared.

"I am hungrier now and more aware of possible scenarios that can happen in a fight."

Catalan, a lifelong martial artist and a wushu world champion, gave glory to the Philippines in the past by winning gold medals in both the Asian and Southeast Asian Games.

He plans to do just that one more time, though at 40 years old, he conceded that it would not be a walk in the park.

"I know that I have a good opponent from Singapore," Catalan conceded.

"But after losing my last fight I really need to bounce back strong especially that I am representing the Philippines."

And even though Sambo is a new sport to the martial arts veteran, he was nevertheless confident of his chances of adding another trophy to his vast collection.

"I am 99.9 percent sure of winning a gold medal. I will do everything it takes." — DVM, GMA News