Yaw-Yan’s Rosauro makes ONE Championship debut tonight

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano fighter Roel ‘Akiyama’ Rosauro of Yaw-Yan ArDigma hopes to stamp his mark in the international mixed martial arts scene as makes his ONE Championship debut against a heavily favored Chinese foe in Li Kai Wen tonight at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

“I am preparing myself for a very difficult fight but I am ready for whatever he brings,” said the 28-year-old Rosauro, who sports a 5-2 record. “I want to give a good showing in my first fight. I want to show them what the Cebuanos are really made of.”

The veteran striker is the fifth Cebuano to showcase his skills in Asia’s biggest MMA organization, following in the footsteps of Carry Bullos, Vaughn Donayre, Eugene Toquero and Jimmy Yabo.

Rosauro is dedicating his fight to Grandmaster Napoleon Fernandez, the founder of Yaw-Yan martial art who passed away last January 28.

“Grandmaster Nap paved the way for all of us. Now that I am part of ONE, I will represent Yaw-Yan with honor and pride,” added Rosauro.

The pride of Camotes Island is facing a daunting task of beating the more experienced Li (6-4).

The Chinese warrior has already fought some of the top contenders in the featherweight division including defending champion Martin Nguyen of Australia, albeit for a losing cause via TKO two years ago.

The main event of the slambang card features Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang, who will vie for the ONE Championship light heavyweight title against Brazilian Alexandre Machado.