WITH their first encounter ending prematurely and in controversial fashion, Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly is aiming for a more convincing victory when he reengages with Singaporean Christian “The Warrior” Lee in their ONE Championship featherweight clash in Indonesia on Saturday, Jan. 19.
The two fighters met last September in China but it was prematurely stopped and the victory handed to the Benguet native after Mr. Lee executed a suplex that was deemed illegal by the referee.
The Singaporean was then disqualified for the move a little over two minutes into the fight, and Mr. Kelly proclaimed the winner.
Mr. Kelly (11-5) in the lead-up to the fight vowed to do better against Mr. Lee (10-3) in their second encounter, part of the main card for “ONE: Eternal Glory” at Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
“I learned that I should never give my back to him and that he will come to attack every second. I think this fight could go to the judges if I am unable to catch him with a big shot. I feel he is well prepared for my style. We both do not want to lose to each other,” Mr. Kelly, 34, said.
He said he is not expecting anything less from Mr. Lee and that he will give his all as he tries to set some consistency in winning moving forward.
“His (Lee) relentlessness is his strength, but can also be his weakness. I need to pick my shots, maximize my striking, and be careful with his takedowns. Should the opening present itself. I am definitely going for a knockout,” Team Lakay’s Kelly said.
ONE: Eternal Glory is being headlined by the world strawweight title fight between reigning champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines and Japanese challenger Yosuke Saruta.
Another Filipino competing in the event is strawweight Robin Catalan.
ONE: Eternal Glory can be seen over the ONE mobile app as well as live on S+A at 11 p.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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