Filipina MMA star Islay Erika Bomogao. Photo handout/ONE Championship.MANILA — Islay Erika Bomogao went through intensive training in preparation for the IFMA World Championships in Turkey next month.
Bomogao, together with the rest of the Philippine National Muay Thai team, spent a month at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket as they look to make waves for their next tournament.
"Super intense but it's rewarding. The atmosphere was highly motivating too because of the top-notch facilities and awesome people," Bomogao said.
"The training itself was world-class, with incredible trainers who were very open to collaborating with my coaches. I was able to get personalized attention and a tailored training program. I enjoyed everything, really.”
“This camp has a double purpose. It's for my participation in the world championship and my future ONE Lumpinee fights,” she added.
Tiger Muay Thai is home to some of ONE Championship's best athletes including two-division MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin and ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Fabricio Andrade.
It's also home to some of the best pure strikers in the promotion including #4-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Felipe Lobo, rising star Ramadan Ondash, and Myanmar striking star Vero.
"The camp is loaded with superstars from different martial arts organizations. I got to train alongside one of my idols, Ms. Vero, from Myanmar, and met some fellow ONE athletes, too," Bomogao said.
"I learned a lot from observing their training methods. What made the whole experience unforgettable was how Tiger Gym treated us like family."
The 24-year-old shared how her learnings there weren't simply exclusive to things she can apply in fights, but in building personal relationships.
"I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience from my time there,” she said. “Beyond the skills, I too learned the value of camaraderie and forging bonds with other athletes and coaches,” furthered Bomogao.