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MMA: Lito Adiwang has ailing mother in mind as he returns to ONE Circle

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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/01/24/mma.jpg"/></figure></div><p>MANILA, Philippines -- Lito Adiwang has special motivation when he returns to the ONE Circle at ONE: Inside the Matrix III, where he takes on former Shooto Champion Hiroba Minowa of Japan in a three-round mixed martial arts contest.</p><p>Adiwang revealed Tuesday that his mother, Leticia, is terminally ill after enduring multiple strokes over the past few years.</p><p>In an emotional video released by ONE Championship, the 27-year-old Adiwang shared how his family&#x27;s struggles in caring for his mother. He is dedicating his next fight to her, and hopes he can make her proud again on Friday night. </p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SOrMo_Xqo7c?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>ONE: Inside the Matrix III is a previously-recorded event that will be aired on November 13.</p><p>&quot;I am very excited and happy to be back in action, and continue to do what I love to do. This fight is very special for me. I want to win for my family, especially my mom,&quot; said Adiwang. </p><p>&quot;My mother has had a big impact on my life. She is the reason I am who I am today. I thank her for everything in my life, and I am proud and happy to be her son,&quot; he added.</p><p>Because of the lockdowns imposed by COVID-19 restrictions in the Philippines, particularly in Baguio City where he resides, Adiwang has taken the extra free time as a blessing, being able to spend more time at home with family while still trying to stay in shape and ready for his next appearance in the Circle.</p><p>Since joining ONE Championship by way of Rich Franklin&#x27;s ONE Warrior Series, Adiwang has strung together a series of impressive performances. He&#x27;s currently riding a seven-bout win streak and is one of the most explosive young stars in the world.</p><p>A victory over Minowa this Friday night will certainly continue pushing him in the right direction.</p><p>&quot;It&#x27;s very important for me to keep my momentum in ONE Championship, because it&#x27;s one way for me to be recognized as a top talent,&quot; he said. &quot;My goal is to one day become a world champion.&quot; </p><p>&quot;Nothing has changed since you last saw me. I&#x27;ve only gotten better,&quot; he also stressed. &quot;I&#x27;ve really done my best in training and to improve myself. That&#x27;s the only way I can keep up.&quot; </p><p>Minowa is no doubt a worthy opponent, one that poses specific threats that Adiwang will have to circumnavigate. The Japanese stalwart is a grappling specialist with a penchant for executing some very tricky submissions.</p><p>Adiwang knows exactly what he will be up against, and has prepared himself accordingly.</p><p>&quot;Hiroba Minowa is a very good fighter. I respect him a lot. He is a young and hungry fighter with a good ground game. I&#x27;m not taking him lightly, or any opponent for that matter. I always come for the victory,&quot; he said. </p><p>&quot;I&#x27;ve worked hard on all areas for this fight, especially in my ground game and jiu-jitsu, because that&#x27;s what he&#x27;s good at. But, of course, I&#x27;m also focused more on the things that I can do to him, and don&#x27;t dwell too much on the things he can do to me,&quot; he added.</p><p>Related video:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t9RzsUdJgKs?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Lito Adiwang has special motivation when he returns to the ONE Circle at ONE: Inside the Matrix III.</p>

Lito Adiwang has special motivation when he returns to the ONE Circle at ONE: Inside the Matrix III.