MANILA, Philippines -- Another Filipino is set to make his mark in the international MMA scene as Vaughn Donayre is the latest addition to the stacked up fight card in the ONE FC: REIGN OF CHAMPIONS this coming Aug 29, 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
He may be more than 4000 miles (6500km) away in the Middle East, but his heart remains in the Philippines.
Donayre, rattled off six straight victories in the Philippines to kick off his mixed martial arts career, and that convinced him to chase his passion. He left his mechanical engineering job, and relocated to Dubai, UAE.
Donayre’s first MMA fight in ONE FC will not be a pushover as he will be facing the hometown favourite and the undefeated, Mohammed Walid.
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple best and a Karate Black Belter, Walid is the first Syrian mixed martial artist to compete for Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization.
Donayre has recently secured a coaching job in UAE, and has been getting ready relentlessly for an opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
"It was a big risk to leave my nine-to-five job to follow my passion, but it’s going to reward me sooner or later. If you are passionate about something, it’s going to take care of you," said Donayre of switching from mechanical engineer to a full-time MMA fighter.
He now gets the biggest platform of his career to showcase his skills. He considers himself a reckless fighter, who uses his instinct in his bout.
"When the bell rings, I shut everything out and I don’t really catch what my corners is saying. I guess you can say I don’t fight smart but that has helped me to win most of my bouts so far," said the gutsy Cebuano.
Donayre dreams of fighting in front of his countrymen in Manila before his MMA career is over.
“I feel that I still have four good years ahead of me. I want to get on a hot streak and win the chance to fight in the Philippines for ONE FC before my career is over. Their shows in Manila are always packed to the brim and I will love to represent there one day," Donayre said.
About the Author: Ernest Hernandez is a regular contributor for NBA Philippines and Philstar.com. He also hosts a sports program named “Sports On-Air” that can be heard at DZEC 1062 khz every Sunday from 7-8pm. Follow him on Twiiter and Instagram at @ernestleo