Five-fight UFC veteran Leandro Issa returns to ONE Championship on Friday in the Philippines, and he’ll be looking to get back in the win column.

Issa (16-7) had a three-fight winning streak for ONE after he was cut loose from the UFC on a two-fight skid in 2016. But this past October, he was knocked out in the first round by Muin Gafurov.

Friday, Issa has his sights set on Fu Chang Xin (9-1) at “ONE Championship: Roots of Honor,” which takes place at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. The main card streams on B/R Live following prelims on Facebook and Twitter.

Catch up with Issa ahead of the card in Manila.

Give us a quick rundown of your career.

I’ve been fighting professionally since 2006. I have a ton of submissions to my name since I come from jiu-jitsu. I’m a black belt. I had a dream to fight in the UFC. I was able to make it come true. Now I’m back to ONE Championship. It’s an organization that’s growing fast.

I’m happy to be here. They take good care of me. It’s a very big and impressive Asian promotion. I have no doubt they’ll continue growing, giving the UFC a run for their money. Since my return, I went on a three-fight win streak. But I lost my most recent bout, unfortunately. I have no excuse. My opponent just did better than me. Now I’m ready for my next battle.