ONE Fight Night 48: Joshua Perreira Steps Into The Ring Against Familiar Foe
When an injury forced Joshua “Flyin Hawaiian” Perreira out of his bout with Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang, Antonio “The Flash” Cesar stepped in and beat the Filipino veteran. Now the Hawaiian gets his chance against the man who took his place.
The pair collide in flyweight MMA at ONE Fight Night 48 on Friday, October 2, live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The winner moves closer to a crack at the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title.
Perreira, 29, has already fought back from adversity once this year. After a serious knee injury, he returned to knock out Gilbert Nakatani with a spinning backfist in 38 seconds, keeping his 6-0 (1 NC) record and 100 percent finishing rate intact.
Cesar represents a significant step up. The 22-year-old Brazilian is 14-2, has won nine straight, and accepted the Adiwang fight with only a month to prepare.
Perreira trains under Matt Brown at Immortal Martial Arts Center in Ohio and has spent time with Dante Leon’s team at Adamas Jiu-Jitsu. If Cesar looks to take the fight down, the American sees openings everywhere.
“What happens when he shoots for a takedown, and I snag a crucifix from his back and take away his base? Or what if he shoots, I roll, and I threaten with an omoplata? What if I shoot up an armbar? What if I funk-roll if he’s on top?” Perreira said.
“The possibilities are endless. It’s just off how I’m able to take advantage of the situation. I’m not going to jump on a technique recklessly. I’m definitely not jumping a guillotine just for the sake of it. I’m going for position over submission.”
Cesar, for his part, is already looking beyond Friday. Beating an undefeated finisher would give him the kind of result that could fast-track his climb toward ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Avazbek Kholmirzaev.
“I hope it puts me on the radar alongside the names that will soon be fighting for the belt. Next year, I want to fight for the title,” Cesar said.
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