Lito Adiwang promises to clear up any doubt left behind from his first meeting against Jeremy Miado. The two strawweights will rematch at ONE Fight Night 16 on Friday, November 3. “Thunder Kid” will try to erase the defeat from 2022, when he tore his ACL.
When the bell rings inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Adiwang will try to follow up his September victory and reenter the ONE Championship strawweight title picture. However, getting a definitive conclusion against Miado is his top priority. The Filipino star wants to give fans the exciting matchup without injuries coming into play.
“Once and for all, we’re gonna be facing each other again. I know fans are excited. I’m excited as well. I’m just praying that we get to show what we’re capable of without injuries, so that we can reach the expectations of the fans and satisfy our expectations within ourselves as well,” Adiwang told ONE.
Both Adiwang and Miado were on the come-up during their 2022 meeting. However, the past year has been filled with trials and tribulations for both men. That is why Adiwang sent a clear message to Miado, hoping this match could spark an incredible 2024.
“To Jeremy, I know you’re preparing well. I know you’re frustrated with the result as well. I know there are a lot of people bugging you after that fight, and all I can say is let’s finish this now. Let’s give a great conclusion to this fight. Let’s give our best and give a good show. Stay healthy, and good luck to both of us.” Adiwang said.
Heading into the rematch, Adiwang is expecting a few tweaks to his game. While he will not abandon the style that brought him to prominence, the evolution of his game has him more willing to blend all of the pieces together against Miado. “Thunder Kid” wants to put on a dominant full display of his arsenal in Bangkok.
“Looking back, my leg kicks were working in that fight, and it’s still something that I plan to use but now we’re looking to incorporate everything. I’m working on connecting everything – from leg kicks to punches to timing that takedown. In this fight, I believe I need to push more. In our first fight, we were both feeling it out, waiting for one to make a mistake. I wasn’t that aggressive. This time, I need to be more active, more aggressive, but in a smart way,” the Filipino stated.
Even though Adiwang has finished eight of his 14 bouts by KO/TKO, he believes the battle against Miado will hit the canvas. Once on the mat, Adiwang believes his ground game will be superior. However, he predicts a finish regardless of whether it comes by submission or knockout and an emphatic end to his 2023 return to action.
“I believe that this fight will eventually reach the ground, regardless of how it gets there. I see this fight becoming a ground battle. Maybe I can control him there, then submit him. That’s how I see this fight happening,” Adiwang said.
ONE Fight Night 16 airs live on Friday, November 3. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
