3 Of Geje Eustaquio’s Favorite ONE Moments

Since making his ONE Championship debut in February 2012 with a resounding victory over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Alex “Little Rock” Silva, former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio has emerged as one of the top talents in the promotion.

The 30-year-old has spent the past seven years building his career, evolving from a wushu stylist to a complete mixed martial artist.

He has also faced the biggest names in the flyweight division, and has become known as one of the most exciting athletes the Philippines’ has ever produced.

Now, just days before his showdown with South Korea’s Kim Kyu Sung at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON on Friday, 17 May, Eustaquio looks back on three of his favorite moments during his tenure with The Home Of Martial Arts.

#1 Meeting Legends Of The Sport

Although he already has many great achievements under his belt and is considered one of the Philippines’ most accomplished martial artists, Eustaquio still gets starstruck when meeting some of the legendary figures in the sport.

“You see these big stars like Rich Franklin, Renzo Gracie, and others. It’s surreal to me. It feels like a dream,” he said.

“I grew up watching these guys on TV. They inspired my career, and are a big reason why I’m living the life I live today. To be able to come up to them like normal people, swap fight stories, and crack jokes, it’s both an honor and a privilege. I really enjoy it.”

Surrounding himself with successful people, Eustaquio is glad to learn from those who have come before him. To pick up something new — like a new idea or a fresh perspective — is the most valuable takeaway from rubbing elbows with the martial arts’ elite.

“I love to learn. I love to discover what goes on in other people’s minds. I want to know how they think,” the Team Lakay veteran said.

“I am surrounded every day by some of the martial arts world’s greatest thinkers. To become wise like them, to learn what I can from them, is a great honor and privilege.”

#2 Making Friends With The Media

Eustaquio may be a terrific public speaker nowadays, but at the beginning of his professional career, neither he or his Team Lakay stablemates were comfortable under the spotlight.

“When we first started out, we had a hard time speaking into the microphone. As a martial artist, that part of the job was unfamiliar territory for us,” he confessed.

“But as time went on, it became a good challenge to accept. Talking about our passion and our profession, it has become a fun thing to look forward to. I feel honored to be able to share my experience with everyone.”

As his star continued to rise, the Baguio city native was thrust more and more into the limelight. Everyone wanted a piece of “Gravity.” Then, when he became the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion in June, the media swarmed him.

While he used to be cautious, Eustaquio now relishes in every speaking opportunity that comes his way.

“Over time, I have made many great friends in the media, especially in the Philippines. It is always a joy talking to them about my fights, or about anything in general,” he said.

“I’ve discovered that they are people too, with their own personal interests and their own lives. We meet each other at our jobs, but beyond that, we share the same passion for martial arts and for our country.”

#3 Becoming The Undisputed World Flyweight Champion

Very few moments in Eustaquio’s career can top his most recent one, when he defeated longtime rival Adriano Moraes to become the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion. That is why it is among his favorite moments yet.

Many wondered how the Filipino would perform differently compared to his first encounter with Moraes back in September 2014. “Gravity” did not disappoint, as he turned in the performance of a lifetime.

“It was an amazing feeling — one that I will never forget,” he stated.

“My career can take me to many places, [and I have had] many ups and downs, but this moment will always stay with me.

“Becoming a World Champion and representing my country has been a dream of mine ever since I started my martial arts career. It was as good as I thought it was going to be.”

Eustaquio lost the belt to Moraes in their trilogy bout earlier in January, but this Friday in Singapore, he kickstarts his return back to the gold.