Natalie Gonzales Hills makes her ONE debut (Photo : Natalie Hills Facebook page)
ONE Championship's latest addition to its burgeoning female roster of mixed martial artists is Natalie Gonzales Hills, nicknamed the 'Kilapino', and is not only a pretty sight, but also a 'killer' in the cage.
The Muay Thai specialist has two wins under her belt, by submission no less, but has deep roots in striking, not just because of her kickboxing background, but because of her Filipino blood.
"My mother always told me I was stubborn, 'matigas ang ulo' (hard-headed) or in chavacano 'duro cabeza' and its true. I take that attitude into my fighting. I'm very aggressive and keep pushing forward," said Hills.
Hills is part English, part Filipino, but calls New South Wales her home for the time being. Because of her Filipino blood however, Hills will inherit a rabid, fight-crazy fan base that is sure to get behind her corner at any given moment.
Filipinos are passionate about their sports, more so in the international scene where the country is highlighted.
"As a child we went from England to the Philippines for family holidays. In 2011, I went to live in the Philippines for three months with my relatives and tried to learn Tagalog," she said.
"I had been studying Arnis in England and was excited when I found a local gym near the market. Sr. Henry Cerilla became my 'punong guro' (chief teacher) and I learnt from him three times a day.
"He also took me to different martial arts gyms including Yawyan Fervilleon. I revisited in 2013 for two months and studied Arnis and Yawyan again. Arnis Eskrima De Cavite became my second home. I would like to visit more."
The 27-year old is up for a challenge though, as she takes on arguably the best in the division in Singapore's Angela Lee, in front of Lee's hometown crowd no less.
Still, the Filipina is ready to take her shot, despite being the underdog. She is ready to represent her heritage and reach her potential in this sport.
"I'm really excited to be fighting for ONE Championship and to have a chance at connecting with Filipino fight fans. I was born in Cavite City less than an hour away from Manila so it has always been a dream of mine to fight there," said Hills.
"I would be honored to gain a following in the Philippines because although I was raised in England, I have always been very proud of my Filipino heritage."
Mixed martial arts has gained a lot of traction over the last few years, with the sport becoming the fastest growing in the world. The same is true in the Philippines, where a nation is rife with history of noble warriors.
Today's modern day combatants do battle inside the cage, and bear the flag on their bodies in representation of nationalistic pride.
"I also have the Filipino flag tattooed on my elbow and on my wrists, I have the words "Kilalanin mo ang iyong sarili (know yourself), Igalang mo ang iyong sarili (respect yourself)' to remind me of my roots and to keep me grounded," said Hills.
Though Hills is easy on the eyes, she maintains she is an absolute 'killer' in the cage.
"Everyone at the gym would joke around and call me 'The Kilapino' and my fighting style is very aggressive."
Natalie Gonzalez Hills battles the unbeaten Angela "Unstoppable" Lee on November 13, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore for ONE: Pride of Lions.
