Nguyen and Matsushima (right) (photo via ONE Championship)

By FCF Staff

The media day for ONE Championship’s “Dawn of Heroes” card took place Tuesday in Manila, and headliners Martin Nguyen and Koyomi Matsushima were on hand. The latter will challenge the featherweight champ at the event, which will go down on Friday, August 2nd.

Here’s some of what Nguyen and Matsushima had to say about the upcoming contest (quotes via press release).

Martin Nguyen, ONE Featherweight World Champion, stated:

“I hope you guys are as excited as I am, being able to come back here and compete in front of the Manila fans and Filipinos. First and foremost, I’m just happy to compete at the highest level. I want to thank ONE Championship, Chatri [Sityodtong], Victor Cui, Matt Hume, for believing in me. I want to thank my coaches for believing in me and pushing me everyday to be the best person I can be. I want to say congratulations to Koyomi Matsushima in earning his title shot by winning his last bout decisively. It’s an honor and I’m excited to go up against a warrior who puts it all on the line as much as I do. On Friday night, you all are in for a treat. I’ve been working so hard and I’m sure he’s been working so hard as well. But this is my division…and still.”

Koyomi Matsushima, ONE World Title Challenger, stated:

“I’m really honored to be competing against the greatest champion, Martin Nguyen. Our fight will be a very exciting fight, so please come to the event and watch.”

Nguyen (12-3) is coming off a knockout win over Narantungalag Jadambaa in April. Matsushima (11-3), meanwhile,  earned a decision victory over Kwon Won Il last month.