Female sport stars share inspiring journeys and road to stardom in male-dominated fields
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Singapore, 26 September 2022 - As Singapore gets ready for arguably its biggest and most action-packed sports weekend with the return of Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and ONE Championship's ONE Fight Night 2, the spotlight turns to two women who will be looking to make an impact in their respective arenas on Saturday (1 Oct) and Sunday (2 Oct).
In a media session held at Evolve MMA Far East Square, ONE's Angela "Unstoppable" Lee and W Series athlete Bianca Bustamante came together in an exchange of skills - both teaching and showcasing to the other some slick and cool moves - Lee taught Bustamante basic striking moves and how to perform a choke, while the latter taught Lee the experience and rush of racing through a race simulator.
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
The respect between the two female stars was apparent, with Lee saying that Bustamante is "wise beyond her years". The Philippines W series athlete driver is just 17 years-old.
For Lee, a mouthwatering clash against "The Panda" Xiong Jing Nan awaits in the rubber match on Saturday, 1st October with the scores deadlocked at 1-1. The two had previously faced off against each other twice in Tokyo in 2019 - ONE: A NEW ERA in March 2019 and ONE: CENTURY PART I in October 2019.
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Xiong defeated Lee in the strawweight division after the fifth stanza, before Lee avenged the defeat and later in the year to defend her atomweight title after earning a dramatic rear-naked choke submission win with just 12 seconds remaining in the fifth and final round.
Both women will be looking to be crowned ONE’s first-ever two-division Women’s World Champion. With three World Title fights headlining the stacked card and six female stars competing, ONE Fight Night 2 will showcase the strength of women in combat sports, promising nonstop martial arts action.
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
For W series athlete Bianca Bustamante, she will be taking on the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the first time in her life, and the thought of doing so this Friday excites her.
"I've always had a soft spot for street circuits, I just love the intensity of going so close to the wall. Just driving over the limit and just one centimeter from crashing, its everything I have been training for," said the 17 year-old.
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Being the first Southeast Asian woman to race in Miami where she scored her first world championship points on a tricky track has boosted her confidence going into this weekend's race and she hopes to do her parents proud, who will be flying in to support her.
When asked about her journey to stardom in the male dominated sport of MMA, Lee said: "I have to give credit to my mom and dad for raising me to not care being the only girl in the room. I took down many boys, and I always had the confidence in myself to do my best and give it my all, and it doesn't matter who is in front of me."
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
She added with a laugh: "I feel honoured that I have this role and this position now that I have such a big influence over lots of young girls who are watching me compete and fight and following my journey, just to know that you can do whatever you set your mind to. If you want to be an MMA fighter, you can be an MMA fighter. If you want to be a race car driver, you can be a race driver."
Tickets for ONE Fight Night 2: Xiong vs Lee III can be purchased here.
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG