Comeback season: Filipino MMA star Jeremy Miado aims to reclaim flyweight contender status in ONE Championship

Jeremy Miado, widely recognized as one of the Philippines’ premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters, has steadily built a reputation as a skilled and resilient competitor. From his early rise in Blaze FC, where he showcased his striking precision and grappling prowess, to competing on the global stage in ONE Championship, Miado has consistently faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport, earning respect for his technique and tenacity inside the Circle.

However, the 33-year-old fighter is currently navigating a challenging stretch in his career. Miado has dropped four of his last five bouts, including his most recent fight against Uzbekistan’s Avazbek Kholmirzaev, which ended in a second-round TKO at ONE Fight Night 38 on December 6, 2025, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Now, Miado is eager to demonstrate that he remains a top contender in the flyweight division. He is set to face South African striker Willie van Rooyen at ONE Fight Night 41 on March 14, once again at Lumpinee Stadium, with the goal of making a decisive statement and reclaiming his momentum.

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The upcoming clash promises fireworks, as both fighters share similar styles—explosive striking, precise counters, and tactical acumen capable of producing instant knockouts. Miado believes that, in this matchup, conditioning, composure, and experience will ultimately determine the winner.

“We basically have the same style, so I think this comes down to heart, conditioning, and who wants it more. Fights are not determined by strength alone. I believe fight IQ and being calm and collected are bigger factors. I believe my experience and patience will make the difference,” Miado said during a media session.

Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado takes FLIGHT ✈️#ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/IvgZJHDeP3

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) April 14, 2025

Experience clearly works in Miado’s favor. With roughly a decade more inside the MMA cage than Van Rooyen, he is confident that the lessons learned from both victories and defeats will give him an edge.

“Age is just a number in MMA. Yes, he is young and hungry, but I have been through many battles inside ONE Championship. I have learned a lot from every win and every loss. That experience gives me maturity and confidence inside the Circle, and I believe that will help me a lot in this fight,” Miado added.

Looking ahead, Miado has set ambitious goals for 2026. “My goal for 2026 is to stay active, keep winning, and climb to the top of the division. I want bigger fights and stronger performances. I will take it step by step, but I’m focused on making this my comeback year and getting closer to title contention,” he said.

For Jeremy Miado, the matchup against Van Rooyen represents more than just another fight. It is an opportunity to reclaim momentum, reassert his position among the Philippines’ elite MMA athletes, and demonstrate that setbacks are only temporary. Analysts and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether his combination of experience, resilience, and technical skill translates into a victorious return.

Miado’s journey in MMA has always been about growth and adaptation. Every fight, win or loss, has shaped him into the fighter he is today—a competitor who approaches each bout with focus, patience, and a deep understanding of the sport he has dedicated his life to mastering.

As March 14 approaches, anticipation builds at Lumpinee Stadium, with the MMA community eager to witness whether Jeremy Miado can convert his preparation, hunger, and veteran savvy into a comeback victory—one that could reignite his path toward flyweight title contention and further cement his legacy in the sport.

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