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Jeremy Miado says he’s ready to test his improvements against Dejdamrong

Jeremy Miado believes he’s fixed the issues that plagued his last two bouts, as he gets ready to face a Muay Thai legend.

Miado (6-2) takes on former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke at ONE: IRON WILL on Saturday, 24 March, in Bangkok.

The Filipino says he’s better prepared than ever to step into the ONE Championship cage and pick up his maiden win for the organisation.

After reeling off six straight wins to start his career, Miado lost a split decision to Robin Catalan on his ONE debut in April last year, then lost again to Pongsiri Mitsatit in November.

Miado attributes his losses to incomplete preparations for the two matchups, and says he’s made changes to ensure that doesn’t happen again.

“I had a few difficulties with getting my weight right. I had to adjust to the new system,” he explained.

“I could cut the weight, but my hydration was not correct.”

Miado was used to the practice of cutting weight via dehydration in order to make weight, but that practice is banned in ONE Championship, which uses a revolutionary weigh-in system that enables the athletes to compete at their natural weight. It was a method that took athletes some time to adjust to, but acts as a way to improve athlete safety and extend their careers.

“I eventually learned how to better manage my health and fitness,” said Miado.

“I was used to the old system, when I would cut a lot of water weight just to make the limit. I was capable of that, but it did not allow me to perform at my best.

“Now, I have changed a lot of things around in camp, and I am much healthier and stronger. The ONE Championship weigh-in system is great, and it protects us athletes. I am really thankful for it.”

Now accustomed to the weigh-in system, Miado believes he’s in the best shape of his career and in the best condition to step into the cage with Amnuaysirichoke and come out victorious.

“I feel really strong, and at my peak,” he explained.

“I cannot wait to get in there and show everybody the real me. I was not able to do so in my last two bouts, but this time I will make sure that everyone knows who I am when it is all said and done.

“The skills are there, but my conditioning has been off. I know facing a legend in Muay Thai is going to be hard, which is why I need to be in peak form for this bout.”

Amnuaysirichoke’s credentials are well known. The 39-year-old has a stellar Muay Thai record, including 282 career wins and three Lumpinee Stadium world titles, and is a former ONE Strawweight World Champion.

Miado says he can’t wait to test his martial arts skills against such a revered opponent.

“I consider myself a striker first and foremost, so to be able to compete against a Muay Thai legend, it will only be good for my experience,” he said.

“If it is too much to handle, I can take the bout to the ground. I am capable of competing anywhere, whether it is on the feet or on the mat. I have been working a lot on my wrestling and my jiu-jitsu, so I am confident I can handle any situation that happens in the cage.”

Miado appreciates that the matchup represents the biggest test of his career, but rather than concerning himself with the Thai star’s skills, Miado is keeping his focus on his own abilities as he finalises his preparations for the contest.

“Right now, I feel very strong, and this time around, I am going to be in the best shape of my life. I am on weight right now, and I feel great. I feel as strong as I have ever been,” he said.

“That’s what matters to me. I cannot worry about what my opponent is doing. I just need to focus on being the best I can be when I step into that cage.”

 

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