“The Challenger” Rene Catalan’s Quest for Glory
Rene “The Challenger” Catalan, a Filipino fighter known for his iron will, is stepping into the ONE: KINGS OF COURAGE event with a three‑bout winning streak behind him. He’s gunning to keep the momentum going as he squares off against China’s Peng Xue Wen, a two‑time wushu world champion on a mission to become a two‑sport world champ himself.
First Mission: One More Victory
Before the title fight can even be considered, Catalan has to deliver a fourth consecutive win. He’s eyeing the 20 January card to prove his worth and secure a spot in the title fight.
“My goal is to compete for the ONE Strawweight World Championship,” he says, with the confidence of a 39‑year‑old who knows every step counts. “I know before I get to that stage, I still have a lot of work ahead of me.”
Building a Champion’s Squad
Aside from sharpening his own skills, Catalan runs the Manila‑based Catalan Fighting Systems (CFS), a training hub that nurtures talent across several martial arts disciplines.
- Wushu
- Sambo
- Muay Thai
- And more!
Teams at CFS include already successful ONE fighters, such as the undefeated women’s strawweight prospect Jomary Torres and his younger brother, Robin Catalan. The gym isn’t just a training ground – it’s a launchpad for the trio’s biggest bouts.
Keeping It in the Family
Catalan’s vision was simple: create a team that manages itself, not the other way around. “We wanted to establish our own squad,” he explains. “I was not just looking to lift my own name, but elevate our family brand as a whole.”
In 2015, after working alongside another group, the team moved into their own space and began to thrive. Since then, the family’s reputation has grown, making them a major contender in the ONE Championship scene.
Catalan’s Gym: A Five-Year Journey
For five years, this gym has been a small-but-mighty player in the fitness world, and behind its doors is Catalan, a man who’s practically a one‑person superhero.
The Heavy Lifter of the Gym
When it comes to running this gym, Catalan is the captain of every ship on the hull.
- Overseeing daily workouts
— the “routine of the week.” - Managing athletes’ careers
— turning raw talent into polished stars. - Handling the dollars and cents
— from utility bills to gym rent.
For the past three years, he’s been the “go‑to” guy for sponsors, meals, and everything else that keeps the gym humming. “If I see a problem, I fix it,” he says, a proud grin spread across the wall‑hung name above the entrance.
Why People Come Here (Not Just for the Equipment)
Word of mouth has been the gym’s secret sauce. Instead of fancy, state‑of‑the‑art machines, it’s the “quality of skill” that draws the crowd.
“I can’t just hand off technique to my junior instructors,” he explains. “What we offer is that unique expertise—something our competitors can’t pull off.”
Balancing Life with a 24/7 Gym
Despite the relentless agenda, Catalan still cracks out time for a pre‑match training camp.
“I do not want to lose, so I find ways to prepare myself for matches,” he says with a hint of playful swagger.
The Next Big Battle: Against China’s Peng
Peng is a National Youth Greco‑Roman champion who stunned crowds by a suplex knockout at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD. Catalan knows what he’s up against.
- Peng’s explosive wrestling prowess.
- Queuing up a solid defense and a dash of offense.
- 80% of preparation centering on strength and conditioning.
“I’m ready to sweat it out and keep him on his toes,” Catalan says. “My plan is simple: find the win and deliver a fireworks‑style bout that the audience will never forget.”
