They call him “The Gladiator” for a reason.
Gustavo Balart showed incredible heart when he somehow survived a late surge from Chan Rothana at “ONE Championship: Dreams of Gold” on Friday in Manila, Philippines.
He took shots to the face, legs and body, but stood in like a zombie, absorbing it all, and even pressing forward. Breathing heavy, his body was visibly shut down for brief occasions as he tried to battle back, lunging forward with spinning backfists and punches.
And somehow, he mustered up the strength to pick Rothana up and slam him before the sound of the horn.
Standing at only 4-foot-11, the undersized Balart (8-3) showed incredible survival instincts, but the last round gave judges a great lasting impression of Chan, who picked up the unanimous decision win.
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