Lito Adiwang set to make ONE FC comeback after torn ACL injury

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the best Filipino Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) practitioners competing in the ONE Fighting Championship is set to make his highly-anticipated comeback after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee nine months ago.

Lito Adiwang, one of the best products of the widely-renowned MMA stable Team Lakay, is already cleared by his medical doctors to fight in the upcoming ONE Fight Night 6 on January 14, 2023.

The hard-hitting striker will be tasked to take down Mansur Malachiev to be held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Adiwang tore his ACL during his fight against co-Pinoy Jeremy Miado last March 2022 when he suddenly felt a pop in his right knee after backpedaling.

After limping in pain, Miado immediately rushed to Adiwang and threw some quick hammer fists but the referee was wise to call the fight off and waived his hands to make it official.

Adiwang immediately received surgery to repair his damaged ligament and quickly got back on track due to his dedicated rehabilitation discipline.

“With the trials in my career and life, I’ve tasted defeat in the game, injury, and losses in life. It’s painful and demoralizing. I did reach my breaking point, but I know that if I succumb to this emotional and painful feeling, this can be my downfall,” Adiwang said.

Adiwang wasn’t able to compete during the recently concluded ONE event held in the Philippines where the majority of the fighters including the main event fielded Filipinos led by the legendary Eduard Folayang.

Joshua Pacio was the highlight attraction of the ONE event but unfortunately lost his championship belt at the hands of Jarred Brooks.

“This time, I just need to hold my head up high. I need to collect and compose myself and hold on to my belief that God put me here for a reason, and that I still have a purpose to fulfill and to become a champion in my career,” added Adiwang.