Sean "The One" Climaco is preparing for his upcoming bout at ONE Fight Night 31 with a heavy heart but unwavering spirit. The 30-year-old knockout artist will face Akif "King" Guluzada on May 3 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand—his third fight since losing his father.
Last July, while training for his matchup with Johan Estupinan at ONE 168, the Californian received devastating news that his father had passed away. Rather than postponing the fight, he immersed himself in the gym.
"I was using the training for that fight to cope with everything and to deal with the pain," Climaco said.
"After the fight, that's when I started to actually start grieving."
For Climaco, his father was more than just a parent—he was his first martial arts instructor and greatest inspiration.
While the lessons taught Climaco the basics, the learning went beyond just techniques.
Continuing his martial arts journey without his father in his corner has been its own learning process. However, he still feels his father's guiding presence as he attempts to reach the upper echelon of the flyweight Muay Thai division.
"It's definitely been a process. It goes in waves," Climaco said.
"But I know he's up there and proud and still guiding me through his love. And though I miss his presence and his voice, he's still there for me."
When asked what advice he would give others experiencing similar loss, Climaco emphasized preserving memories.
"Just keep holding on to the memories. That's all you can do. Gotta keep moving forward, but just be grateful for the memories," Climaco said.
As he prepares to enter the ring on May 3, Climaco carries both his father's technical teachings and unwavering spirit—a legacy that transcends physical presence and continues to shape his career in combat sports.
ONE Fight Night 31 will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2 at 5:30 a.m. India Standard Time (IST) on Saturday, May 3.
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