The legendary fighter is hanging up her padded shoes for good.
Two-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games kickboxing gold medalist. Asian kickboxing champion. Six-time national wushu champion. Top ONE Championship fighter.
Gina Iniong Araos has been a pioneer for women's mixed martial arts in the Philippines. Now, it's time for her to be a winner for her daughter.
After outscoring Thailand in the first round, Araos beat host Cambodia's bet in the semifinals. But her fiery kicks fell short in the final of the women's kick light -55 kg event in the 32nd SEA Games, losing to Indonesia and settling for silver on Tuesday.
It was a sign.
"Sorry po. Ito na 'yung huli kong laro sa SEA Games," she told One Sports' Belle Gregorio after her fight.
"Masaya [ako] kasi maganda naman 'yung na-achieve ko sa larangan ng kickboxing," she reflected. "Wala naman akong mahihiling."
Then known as Gina Iniong, she made impressive victories in the MMA circuit with Team Lakay and was picked up by ONE Championship as an atomweight contender. She proceeded to win SEA Games gold medals in 2019 and 2022.
But now, Araos wants to focus her time on what matters most now—being a champion parent for her two-year-old daughter.
"Iba po 'yung nag-aalaga sa kanya imbis na ako," she shared. "Gusto ko rin bumawi sa anak ko kasi lagi akong wala, bata pa po siya."
(With reports from Belle Gregorio, One Sports)
(GM)