Lito Adiwang aims crosshair at world-rated foe after latest win

Lito Adiwang wants a crack at the ONE strawweight world title currently held by Jarred Brooks and he knows what he has to do to get there.

Coming off an 18-month hiatus due to a knee injury, Adiwang needed just 23 seconds to stop Adrian Mattheis last September before defeating his fellow Filipino Jeremy Miado via unanimous decision last week.

Raring to enter the division's top five to get him closer to a world title shot, Adiwang had set his sights on fighting the no.4 rated strawweight Gustavo Balart.

"I've been asking for Balart. Gusto ko talaga 'yung matchup namin and I want to test myself against him din," said Adiwang.

"Magiging magandang preparation 'yun para sa akin going to a possible Brooks fight. [Balart is a] wrestler, maganda ang ground niya, and ma-challenge ako to work on my wrestling."

(I've been asking for Balart. I really want our matchup and I want to test myself against him. It's a good preparation for us going to a possible Brooks fight. He is a wrestler, he has good ground and I'll be challenged to work on my wrestling.)

Balart, 11-4 as a mixed martial artist, is renowned for his wrestling pedigree.

Though he only stands 4-ft-11-inches, the Cuban has shown throughout his career that he is also game to trade leather if it gets down to it.

According to Adiwang, a win over Balart would create a road to a possible matchup with Brooks.

"Talagang 'yun ang hinahangad ko ngayon, na makalaban para sa belt. This is my second version so I’ll give my best to reach that and become a champion," Adiwang stated.

(That's what I am really wishing -- to fight for the belt. This is my second version so I'll give my best to reach that and become a champion.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News