JFL Grand Finals - Co main Event : Valerian vs Nurul

For female strawweight, get ready for Valerian Rosario (Sabah Top Team) vs Nurul Khairunissa (Karabaw Tamparuli).

Valerian is the epitome of Wonder Woman of Sabah. Being a wife, mother, teacher, instructor and an active fighter surely will exhaust almost anyone. My utmost respect to her for being able to divide her time well.

Valerian was among the pioneer group that started BJJ at BJJ Borneo nearly 6 years ago. With BJJ as her base she is most comfortable on the ground. But don't be fooled as she hit hard too on her feet.

At JFL ladder match Valerian did not sweat for a win as her opponent was injured. But in semis, her fight vs Sakinah in the co-main event goes down in JFL history as an all out war. Both showed true hearts and tenacity as they slug out for a 4 rounds, Valerian emerge victorius with a decision win.

Coming to this final against Nurul is sort of a rematch with Sakinah, as Nurul and Sakinah are good friends they are younger and have the same fighting style.

(original heroes character reference by DC. Original fighter’s photo by Matt Buvvart. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog)

(artwork b y Matt Buvvart)

Where are you from? Are you pure KDM? What's your heritage?
I'm from Keningau. I'm 'peranakan'. My mother is Murut from Keningau and my father is Filipino.

Tell me how you feel reaching the final of JFL? Do you expect this?
I am so pumped for it. Expect? I make sure that I'll be in the final.

Since when did you get involve in martial arts? Can you tell me a bit on your martial arts journey?
My first martial art is Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ). I started learning it in 2009 with BJJ Borneo in KK by coach Allen Chong. I participated in local & international BJJ tournament since 2010. I used to drive almost 3 hours 3 times a week to train because I live in Keningau.
I had to stop training when I was 4 months pregnant in 2012.

I came back to the mats 8 weeks later after I gave birth. I did postnatal workout for a month though to make sure my body is strong enough to start training again.
I earned my blue belt in Dec 2013 by Professor Leandro Luizdasiva (BJJ blackbelt from Checkmat, Brazil) at Alpha MMA.

I wanted to do something else. So I started training MMA towards end of 2013. I took private lesson with an Italian MMA coach, Antonio Battistessa after joining his first MMA class at Alpha MMA.

I learn different martial arts by doing MMA such as Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling and even Luta Livre!

MMA is such a impactful sports, you get hit in the face & body, as a woman, what makes you want to compete? What motivates you to fight?
Martial arts aren't just about fighting where you hit each other. You must have the techniques & game plan to fight. There's art in it.

I'm fascinated by the movement & game plan in fighting. Brilliant! It's like playing chess. I love playing chess by the way. I guess that's why I want to be part of it.

MMA is tough. The fight is real. The pain is real. It's scary. It's not suitable for women…Says who?? I compete because I can.

Your work as a teacher, as a mom, as a wife and also your work as an instructor at Jacky's fitness, how do you fit in time for training?
I'm aware with what I do and the consequences of every action I do. That's why I must plan my time properly.
I usually don't bring school works back to the house, so I can focus being a wife & mom at home.
My daughter will be with my parents when I do my fitness class. I either train on my own before class or after.
I'd go to KK to train with my coach & the team in the weekends. Sometimes I join my husband & his team at BTS to train.
My day is quite busy but at the end of the day, I'll always be there for my daughter.

I understand that you do yoga...does this help you in preparation for fight?
Yoga makes the body supple. The breathing exercise helps me to be focus & relax. Yes, it does help me.

You plan to bring the fight to ground or stand & strike?
I'm more comfortable to work on the ground but I've been training in striking as well.

Have you studied your opponents fighting style & noted any weakness?
It's necessary. There must be a game plan. You'll find out on Sunday. Hehehe.

You and Sam are actively competing...does having a husband that also compete gives you confidence and support?
Definitely! He's more experience than I am. We talk BJJ & MMA. We watch UFC together. We roll & train together. How cool is that?

Would we see the 1st couple in Malaysia being crowned as champions? Come and watch their fights on 4 OCT 2015

Which fight for you it's the toughest? and which is the most satisfying win?
The toughest fight would be MIMMA3 quarter final against Gladys Moling. She's better in striking.
The most satisfying win so far would be JFL semi final against Sakinah. We had to fight 4 rounds to get a winner.
But the best is to win a fight by TKO or submission. That's what I plan to do in this final (and in the future).

Do you talk about your fight with your colleagues? What about your family?
Not really because they seem not to be interested in it. I only talk about it when being ask.
My parents know that I'm fighting but we don't really talk about it. We only talk when I have bruises.
Especially my mom. She actually said to me once to stop all this after the final because "I'm a mom".
It's not good for my body she said. I will stop but not yet.

What's your message to Chiko?
Let's have a great fight!

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(original heroes character reference from Eidos. Original fighter’s photo by Matt Buvvart. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog)

Nurul Khairunissa or better known as Chiko.
She has been training for a year and the 1^st MMA competition she participated is JFL.
This year she participated in MIMMA3 and fought Samantha Tan in the quarter but lost by armbar.
Chiko’s involvement in martial arts started in high school. Active in TaeKwonDo, she participated in under-18 TKD competition representing her home town of Sipitang.

Around this time a high school friend told her about his experience in MMA. As a person whom like challenges and have a liking for extreme sports, these stories spark Chiko’s  interest in MMA. But at that time there’s no place to train MMA in Sipitang. Fortunately a year back Team Karabaw lead by Sensei Rayner Kinsiong had an introductory course in MMA in Sipitang which led to the setting up of Karabaw Gym Sipitang pioneered by Ricky Cheong and Hafizul Hakeem. Chiko joined the team and has never look back since.

Being the eldest of four children, Chiko started work after she left high school. Earning a living by working as a clerk in SAMUR Project in Sipitang, she also took up part time job as a cashier during the weekend & holidays in KFC to supplement her monthly income. All this is to ease her working parents’ burden of raising her other three siblings whom is still schooling.

Chiko has an easy going character and make friends easily. But she is also a confident person and does not give up easily and taking inspiration from Ann Osman, she is determined to achieve success in MMA.

For Chiko, being a newbie in MMA, she knows that there’s still much to learn. Improving on her ground game is foremost on her list of skills to upgrade on after her lost in MIMMA, and she has been drilling her BJJ moves ever since.

JFL Grand Finals : Co-Main Event : Jason Chalton vs Eddey Kalai

JFL Grand Finals : Co-Main Event : Jason Chalton Gaban vs Eddey Kalai

This flyweight title fight will see fast action between this two exciting fighters.

Jason journey in JFL started with a surprise. Thrown unexpectedly into JFL by his head coach Rayner Kinsiong, Jason was actually just helping out carrying things during an event with the media for JFL inaugural launch before the tryouts. When the TV1 reporter ask Rayner is there any fighters for them to interview, Rayner said Jason is one of them!.

That's how it began, but initially Jason was reluctant as he felt he was not ready. Especially when he is weighing around 65kg that time. But with the encouragement and the trust given by Rayner and his coach Vallerio Gumbilai of Karabaw Tamparuli, he decided to put all his heart into it. He slim down to 56.7kg to fight in flyweight.

JFL ladder match saw him had a tough battle with a game Kevin Andrew. The fight was back & fourth and Jason won in round 2 by guillotine choke, winning the Fight of the Night award.

In quarter finals, Jason met his match in meeting another bald headed fighter - Johan Julian Lee.
The fight was close and both gave their all. A fight that won Jason another Fight of the Night award.

Semis saw Jason faced the lanky Teo Seng Ming of Tomoi Labuan. But Jason managed to win by controlling the fight on the ground and dishing out lots of ground and pound.

(original heroes character reference frm. DC. Original fighter’s photo by Matt Buvvart. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog)

(artwork by Matt Buvvart)

Jason how do you feel going into final?
Excited hahaha! Never actually thought I could go into the finals.

Have you adjusted any training style to face Eddey whom has fast hand due to his boxing background?
Ya, we have set up some game plans facing Eddey. We have been doing a lot of padding sessions where I have to move all the time and to catch the timing on when to go in and out. Also did a lot of sparring session, this is where techniques that I learned I need to try and use it during my fight and so that the muscle remembers. I really hope my game plan works during the fight. It’s not a good feeling fighting your fellow friend, but I know both of us wants the belt. So I just hope for the best for both of us.

Do u see your ground game advantage over him?
Can't say for sure.. coz I know he has been training his ground game as well.. he went and joined grappling competition recently, so I guess his ground is more better now..

But, when you enter the cage its all 50/50. No one can actually know who is gonna win, especially if both is good. Unless an experienced fighter who fought in MMA in a long time meets up and fight with a newbie, then I think you can guess who’s gonna win kan.. hahahaha

Since you were 'set up' in the 1st place to fight,...what is your motivations? What keep u going?
Hahahaha, sandi o kna set up ma... erm I guess my motivation is that I dont want to let down my two senseis (Rayner and Vallerio) as well as my friends, family and teammates. I want them to be proud of me, proud of what they have produced. That's the thing that motivates me I guess... I can say, without their hard work of prepping me and supporting me till this day, I won't get to where I am now.

What’s your way to unwind bro? Hobby? What type of music, which artist you listen to to get you pump up in training?
My way to unwind is usually hanging out with the guys, sharing knowledge and chit-chats, LOL~

I guess martial art and fitness is my number one hobby now hahaha!

In terms of music, I don’t really have specific artist that I like... as long as it gives you the feel and motivation to train then, ya that would be the song I'd listen to...

Hip hop? Heavy metal? Lagu dusun?
You know fast tempo stuff like the one use in crossfit… hahahha! and some hip hop lah : D

Tell me about Gymsokid?
Gymsokid is led by Claroy, he's the one that gives us strength and conditioning exercise... it’s in his backyard.. but I can say that its fully equipped...

Gymsokid is located at a different place from Karabaw Tamparuli?
Yup hehehehe~ its up the hill going to Kiulu.. that’s why they call it Gymsokid

Sokid is it the name of the kampung?
Oh no bro... sokid in Dusun it means hill...ahh if I’m not mistaken lah. 

Me, Vallerio, Douglas, Claroy and the some of the guys in Tamparuli are best friends, 

childhood friends till now... but actually related too hahahaha!

As a fighter, which is your toughest fight? Fight that you remember most?
I think fighting Eddey is the toughest fight I will ever face, he is a well experienced fighter and I’m sure he is very very tough to fight. But in the positive side this is an opportunity for me to really show what I have and can do. Win or lose, I’m happy to fight him.

Final question, ...what is your message for Eddey?
Aiyaa~ the last question is tough bro... hahahaha!
I don’t know what to say... I know him rather well.

Ok just to make it fun…”Eddey…get ready bro, get ready for ‘tamparan Tamparuli ! LOL hahaha….may the best man wins.”

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Eddey Kalai is from the renown Kalai Brothers that excel in boxing. Eddey has represented Sabah in SUKMA, and Malaysia at Asia Games, Arafura Games, SEA Games, etc.

This cheerful lad is from Sandakan & has ventured into MMA this last two years. Together with his younger brother Effendy, they participated in MIMMA & JFL actively. Eddey reached the Semis of MIMMA this year.

In JFL ladder match he won by submission over Sharil of Keningau MMA. Then progress to fight another KMMA stalwart, Writh Kapotosan in the quarter finals. Eddy win by having accurate striking and managed to execut few suplex.

In the semis fighting Faizal Dzid, a Capoeira specialist. Eddey won by ground and pound in the 2nd round.

(original heroes character reference from Marvel. Original fighter’s photo by Matt Buvvart. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog)

(artwork by Matt Buvvart)

How young are you bro?
I’m 33 this year…but always young at heart…feels like I’m 23 bah…hehehe

You still in the police force?
Yes in PDRM ( Malaysian Royal Police ) under the Selangor State contingent, but I train at PULAPOL KL.( Police Training Center )

Do you coach?
Yes I coach boxing. Currently using the place at Malaysian Boxing Center ( MSN AU2 Keramat ). Sometimes I join my brother Effendy teaching at ELITEZ. But the travelling from KL to Klang through the jam is a big challenge.

What is your strategy facing Jason in this final?
Jason is the fan favourite. I will go all out in the fight, in all aspect, be it stan up or ground

Do you feel the pressure to win due to your experience having more fights?
There will always be pressure in any fights. When facing a formidable opponents such as Jason, yes no doubt there’s more pressure.

Doing your preparation in West Malaysia, do feel there’s a difference?
The difference is in West Mal due to my coaching commitment, my time is divided with my students, my work and my family. Maybe if I train in Sabah, I can concentrate better as I have lots of friends that can help.

Were you disappointed of your MIMMA3 result?
Yea…because my target was to go to the finals together with Effendy. But looks like my fate is only at the Semis, hope to improve next time around.

Who is your head coach currently?
At work it’s Mr. Rosli Yaakup, he is also the head coach for KUDA MERAH MuayThai in PULAPOL KL

In your family, any other siblings into combat sports?
Yes . All of them started from boxing. For MMA only me & Effendy. But my other two siblings are showing interest - Mohd Khairoll Kalai (National boxer ) & Mohd Ridhuan Kalai (Sabah state boxer). So four of us active in combat sports

Who is your source of motivation to fight?
Allah SWT & my family, my dad is my strong supporter. In every fight, I draw strength from my wife and kids.

For this Grand Finals JFL, I will try to win it for them, cause my wife has sacrifice so much of her time and energy to support me. …if not I may be sleeping outside the room…hahaha.

Tell us her name
I’m married to charming Jovinia Dalusin from Tamparuli with 3 kids and counting…..hehehehe

Will you continue to actively compete or will be focusing on coaching?
I’m in transition now between fights and coaching. As long as my body is strong and healthy I’ll be competing and also share my experience and knowledge with others.

Do you think JFL fights are as good as in West Malaysia?
Yes, it’s on par. We just need more sponsors to bring up the fight scene in Sabah. There’s a lot of talented and potential fighters whom cn go far.

So what’s your message for Jason in the final?
Hahaha, this is it. Jason don’t you try to be serious during weigh-in, if not I’ll laugh non-stop.

I respect you bro, lets entertain the crowd.. and after fight….we go for ‘mee pangsit!!’

JFL Grand Finals - Co Main Event : Adrian Tham vs Harold Untol

Co-main event of the night, Adrian Tham vs Harold Untol for the Welterweight title.

Adrian representing Team NOMAD has come off convincing win on his journey to the finals. Being the experience fighter, it was not easy to find a match for him. He won by walkover in the ladder match and submitted Syafiq Akmal in the quarters.

(0riginal heroes character reference from DC & Warner Bros. Original fighter’s photo by Jonyesi Studio. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog

(artwork by Matt Buvvart)

Are you chinese? What’s your heritage? Tell me a bit on your family background?
I'm a Sabahan Sino-Kadazan. My dad's chinese from Raub, Pahang and mom's a KadazanDusun from Penampang. I'm the eldest within a siblings of 4.

Tell me how you feel reaching the final of JFL?
I feel great!

You are very calm in the cage, what goes through your mind when you first step into the cage?
I just wanna get it over as soon as possible.

Are you the type that follow game plan strictly? or the type that just adapt, react and improvise on the go?
As usual I'd work out a game-plan for weeks or even months ahead and visualize them time to time.
But then again I strategize, adapt and react in the fight itself. It’s not entirely planned to be honest.

Have you studied your opponents fighting style?
Not really.

To date in your fighting career, which fight for you is the toughest? And which is your most satisfying win?
Toughest fight was the one I had at Vegas at IMMAF (International MMA Federation). I went up against an undefeated American. It was a rather unfortunate event for me but then again I learn a lot from it.
Winning the MIMMA1 belt was most satisfying cause it was dragged on for so long and fighting once a month was crazy.
( Adrian won MIMMA season 1 Heavyweight Belt in 2013, and represented Malaysia in IMMAF - World amateur MMA tournament )

In Team Nomad, you are the one with the most experience...how do you prepare for fight? Do you look for training partner outside your team?
I train with our team members most of the time but then again I am truly grateful of having a big BJJ affiliated family in Borneo to cross-train. Team Leke BJJ/Checkmat BJJ. I cross-train within Valor, Karabaw and Alpha MMA for JFL.

I also have a great strength and conditioning programme with one of my sponsors, Borneo Titans Strongman Academy.

JFL finals will be a big event in Sabah, how do you feel so far about this event?
Props to Team Karabaw and Sensei Rayner for pulling off one of the best event in Sabah.

You are MIMMA season 1 Champ, going into this fight, do you feel the pressure to perform?
Nope. To give credit to my opponents they are all equally hard. Everyone has been training for this.
I expect it to be a hell of a fight.

Preparing for fight in the final weeks must be intense...how is your preparations coming along?
To be honest I am very comfortable with my weight cut, conditioning and technical preparations.

Experience certainly played a big part in my preparations, it brought everything down a notch and I’m just trying to keep myself injury free.

Usually how do you unwind after a hard training week?
Chill at Fruto Juice Bar or watch a movie.

What is your normal weight? Is it easy for you to make welterweight?
My walking weight is around 85kg. Cutting and putting on weight is easy for me nowadays.
I can cut to 68-69kg or be as heavy as 91-92kg. It depends on what I'm fighting or competing for.

So far which was your favorite match in JFL? Which fighter impresses you most?
Syafiq in semis.

What's your message to Harold?
I would say "don't blink" but that's not my style. I wish him "May the best man win"

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Finding a match for Adrian, with his reputation and fight record was not easy. Not many welterweight was available until Harold steps up. Working as a corporate banker, Harold has immerse himself in martial arts since 2013.
Representing Team Karabaw, he started with boxing and now has incorporate other martial arts into his arsenal to compete in MMA.
According to his coach Rayner, Harold has good boxing base and has strong chin that can eat punches.

(original heroes character reference from DC. Original fighter’s photo by Matt Buvvart. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog)

(artwork by Matt Buvvart)

How old are you and where are you from?
29 from Tuaran, Sabah

Can you describe your personality?
Not sure how to really describe myself, maybe depending on circumstances. I say a bit cautious to my surroundings and that makes me look serious. But when I'm with friends, you may say cheerful and I try to be active in conversation.

When did you got involved in martial arts? Aside from MMA do you compete in other style?
I started MMA since Team Karabaw gym opened in 88 Market Kepayan, back in September 2013.
Other than MMA, I do amateur Boxing.

What is your MMA fight record?
So far, my MMA record 0-1 since my last MIMMA2 participation.

How do you feel challenging Adrian for the welterweight title belt?
Nervous obviously, but excited at the same time.

What motivates you to fight?
For JFL, Adrian himself is my motivation and out Karabaw gym itself. To grow together and aim higher to pro.

You favour striking or the ground game?
Striking.

What is your normal weight? Do you need to cut a lot of weight?
Normal weight is 81kg. 4kg is ok, in fact, it does not really affects my performance. Before MMA, nobody really coach me on how to make weight or any diet program, after I joined Karabaw, I learned a little here and there about diet and cutting weight.

I eat 3 times a day, eat some 2 hours before training, drink a lot of water, avoid oily food, take some vege and have enough rest.

To make weight, I take lean food 1-2 weeks before the weigh-in, and a lot cardio activities.

What’s your profession? Where did you studied?
I presently work as Asst. Sales Manager in Alliance Direct Marketing SB (subsidiary of Alliance Bank) in Sinsuran.

I graduate from UiTM Shah Alam in BBA (Hons.) Finance, back in 2008.

Does your job gives you flexibility of time to train?
My working hours is flexible except that my job requires me to go travel outstation, and when I do, I normally can't make it to the gym.

Adrian is MIMMA Champ season 1, do you feel as underdog you have less pressure to win?
Yes, I know his achievement, so the pressure is there. But it is also exciting because I get to fight him as he is one of my idol.

There is no way he is fighting me 100% other than in a real match. In JFL, I will give everything I got and bring the game to him. Anyway, anything can happen in MMA.

What’s your interest? Any hobby?
Obviously, combat sports. And at the moment, these are my interest and hobby. Aside from that, I do reading, all sorts of reading, manga, novel, news, etc.

Your martial arts idol?
Locally, my coach, Rayner and also my opponent in JFL, Adrian. Rayner aside from being my coach, he is also ONE Championship fighter and he started from Karate and now climbed up to the MMA scene. His striking amazes me. While Adrian, a great but humble fighter, also an all rounder with effective ground technique.

Internationally, My idol is Pacman – Manny Pacquio, as I started from boxing, for the love of the sport, and his boxing speed, power and aggressiveness.

Your favorite techniques?
Body shot and overhand.

What is your philosophy towards life?
Life is a fight.

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Warriors-of-Borneo wishes both fighters all the best!

JFL Grand Finals - Main Event : Samuel Lai vs Mardonov Bon

This is a fight for the Lightweight belt
Samuel Lai, the ground maestro that has seen all type of strikers.

His journey in JFL 1st started with a win over Jeff Andrew in the ladder match. In Quarter finals defeating Terence Bungkilin, whom now become his team mate at BTS. In the Semis he won vs Md Nor Gani. All are heavy strikers which Sam has successfully uses his BJJ to neutralise the threat.

(original heroes character reference from Marvel. Original fighter’s photo by Matt Buvvart. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog)

(artwork by Matt Buvvart)

What’s your age Sam?
I am 35 yrs old this year.

In your training and fight do you think age affects you in any way?
At this age compared to fighting early 2+ fighters poses its physical challenge. The trick is to know yourself, play your own strength while improving on your weakness. This can be regarding physical conditioning, strategy and/or one's own skills. Be smart n know oneself.

You are well known for your ground game, with the nick name Samjitsu, are you comfortable with this?
Haha, I don't use any fight/nickname. It’s just something I was joking around while I was attending Master John Will's BJJ seminar back in 2008. It’s a moniker of sort because I really believe that BJJ truly is a great self defense & fighting art.

Have you been focusing on striking lately?
Learning to box & kick as well as its defensive techniques and strategies are very important. It is something I really actually had to 're-learned' again and MMA I only truly took it up slightly 2 years ago. Striking has and always will be a staple part of my MMA training.

Bon is known to have a heavy hand, you have encounter lots of heavy striker too in your fights, how is this fight different?
Well, It’s not any different because heavy strikers will always be heavy strikers. It is different only because each opponent is a person and will bring their own style and personality. For Bon, he is a slick and a strong fighter.

In your fight career to date which fight is the toughest for you?
Toughest fight...definitely against Agilan. Instead of gaining weight the next day after our fight (after so much fried chicken, biscuits and ice cream)...I lost some more weight!!! LOL!!
( Sam lost to eventual MIMMA2 lightweight champion Agilan in the Semis of MIMMA season 2)

Which fight is the one you are most satisfied with and why?
None. I can only accept the results but in all honesty, I am not satisfied with any of my fights yet.

You come across to me as a very analytical person, you can break down techniques very well. Are you this type where you go into a fight with a very well prepared game plan & follow accordingly?
Really?? Hmm...perhaps it is the need to remain calm n figure out what to do in so and so or such and such situation. With AJ and the BTS team...we always have a comprehensive game plan. This time around, it is with a game plan I particular like especially with regards to performing the takedown.

How does it feel having your wife Valerian fighting in the same grand final event with you?
Initially I was bit nervous but now with 3 tough fights under her fists and chin, I am excited for her this time around.

What is your fight record to date? . Have you any plans to turn pro?
Currently I am 6-2. Definitely I have plans to venture into pro...when the time is right.

In BTS you have a group of high levels team mates & a very experience head coach in AJ,...share with me how does it feel to be in BTS?
It’s great to have a very supportive and dedicated coach in AJ as well as the other teammates. Crazy thing is...we are always striving to get better and support each other and yet...we still have so much more to accomplish!! We are a growing team and constantly learning a thing or two about ourselves and the team. But, if you are going to join the BTS fight team, u better be prepared to be dedicated in training.

What is your opinion on JFL? And how do you see it can further improve?
I think the platform set by JFL is an incredible opportunity for aspiring fighters. I suppose the one thing that can be improved (and I suppose most fighters won't really complain about this one...haha), is to add cash prizes for the fighters. To prepare for a fight and to throw ones own body in the cage/ring can be really really taxing. Haha...I hope Rayner wont ban me from JFL for that!!! LOL!

Which fighter has impressed you so far in JFL?
There are 3 fighters that definitely impressed me...Jason Gaban of Karabaw Tamparuli, Hasbullah of KMMA and his opponent and my teammate...Dean Hamsah. Dean has ready and he is ready in a very strong way!!

Do you do this full time? Do have another day job?
I am currently working as an Insurance Agent under Tokio Marine Life Insurance...they simply really do offer the very best coverage overall!! Besides, it’s working time is very very flexible as I set my own time when to work.

What is your opinion on the current popularity of MMA/martial arts so far in Sabah specifically?
I think in the West Coast area particularly it is popular where as other areas it is slowly picking up. But martial arts in Sabah is nothing new and in the past we have already produced state and/or national Champs including JFL founder Rayner in karate, AJ in silat and recently Awie of Alamgir Tawau in boxing (my opponent in the 2013 Mayor's Cup finals). So martial arts in Sabah is actually nothing new. Unfortunately, we could have achieve further but somehow...we aren't and i hope this wont be the case for Sabah MMA as well as the BJJ community. Maybe, we might even see a wrestling community soon as AJ teaches a few wrestling techniques in BTS.

Finally...any message for Bon in the final?

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Mekhrubon Mardonov or more known as Bon by his friends hails from Tajikistan.
A landlock country that only saw independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Tajikistan was plunge into civil war after independence that lasted 5 years.

(Original heroes character reference from Marvel. Original fighter’s photo by Matt Buvvart. Artwork editing by warriors-of-borneo blog)

(artwork by Matt Buvvart)

Being born in a country that has seen war so recent does build toughness of character and tenacity of spirit. Bon is certainly the no nonsense type. With a base in wrestling he certainly will be giving Sam a tough fight on the ground. But he also have a good stand up from his MuayThai skills and heavy hands that can knock someone's teeth out.

Bon defeated Malfil Yusuf in the JFL Semis with ease in round 1 in less than 2 minutes using americana.

He currently is doing his studies in Kuching, Bon trains at GymBox Kuching. A state of the art gym with the best facilities in Borneo. Having American wrestler and ONE Championship fighter Matt Pelino as his head coach certaily gives Bon an edge. Training alongside high level team mates such as Jace Law, Melvin Kho, Stephen Onn, Tsan Nieng Khai also pushes him to improve constantly.

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Iiiiiittt's TIMEEEE!
for the main event.
Let's bring it on guys.

JFL 2015 - The Grand Finals...the story so far

Original artwork by Matt Buvvart

The day has come to crown the inaugural champions of Jesselton Fighting League. On 4 OCT 2015, will go down in history for Borneo MMA as the date where 9 MMA champions from different weight categories be decided.

JFL is only in it's first edition, already it has garnered so much interest among the martial arts scene in Borneo and made an impact in the combat sports scene in Borneo generally. As the 1st ever league format MMA competition in Borneo, the founder of JFL is Rayner Kinsiong, founder of Team Karabaw, ex-national Karateka and ONE Championship fighter.

This is not Rayner's first experience in organising MMA fights. He partnered with Johan Julian of Kinabalu Fighters to organised the 1st ever MMA competition in Borneo - Borneo Fighting Championship. BFC was held twice, on 16 Nov 2013 and 29 March 2014. Both event was equally successful in getting talented local fighters and foreign fighters to slug it out in Kota Kinabalu.

Johan Julian (L) with Rayner Kinsiong (R) came together to organised Borneo's 1st MMA Competition, Borneo Fighting Championship in 2013

BFC's success proved that the time is right for locals to have a league format of MMA fights.

The journey of JFL started in 18.10.15 at Dewan Masyarakat Kota Kinabalu. It was the tryout, close to 90 fighters signed up. It was a glorious beginning for Borneo MMA.

The day JFL materialise

It then progress to the ladder match on 7 FEB 2015, held at the Federal Complex, Kota Kinabalu. A few fights was affected where the fighters didn’t turned up due to injuries from an earlier Muaythai event. But it was also a day of great fights…particularly Jason Gaban vs Kevin Andrew, Ahmadjon vs Effendy Kalai. 

Ladder match

Quarter final was held at Dewan Foo Chow, Kota Kinabalu, on 4 APR 2015; Notable fights of the quarters were; Adrian Tham vs Syafiq Akmal, Writh Kapotosan vs Eddy Kalai, Terence Bungkilin vs Samuel Lai.

Quarter Finals

And most recent, the Semi Finals was held in the same venue. Semis saw some crazy fights. Fights to remember : Nur vs Valerian Rosario, 4 rounds of female slug fest! The roof was also brought down with upset wins of Khairul over Jace Law & of Md Hasbullah over Ahmadjon. 

Semi Finals - (artwork by Matt Buvvart)

If you missed out these awesome fights, past JFL fights CD are still available, contact Rayner 013-888 8379 or Kelly 016-901 3370 ( Ladybug Bridal )

(artwork by Matt Buvvart)

( artwork by Matt Buvvart )

The Grand finals for JFL will be held at Likas Indoor Stadium. It will be a bigger event. Held over two days 3rd & 4th Oct. Day 1 will see a fight cards that is made of a MMA Bantamweight Super4, 3 bouts of MMA Superfight, and for the first time in Sabah- 4 bouts of Cage Boxing. Fights to watch out for: Writh Kapotosan vs Christopher Sani. Md Rashidin vs Cedo Gomba. Randall Kadayum vs Jiji Pulah. Erexy Manuel vs Terence Bungkilin.

Day 2 ( 4.10.15 ) is championship fight night. The fights will be hard and fast as all fighters are very determine to wear the title belt on their waist.

Fight fans, if you haven’t got your tickets, call Rayner now or you will regret missing this historic day in Borneo MMA. Plenty of stuff to keep all occupied as in this grand final Rayner has up the ante; with lots of carnival booths offering F&B and other items. Cars enthusiast will be thrill as there’s an auto show from Daily Driven KK, supported by Borneo Tuner from 6pm to 10pm ( 3.10.15 ) and 10am - 6pm ( 4.10.15). On display will have categories such as LED 

Pre event hi-lights will be the press conference and weigh-in on 2 OCT 2015 at Hard Rock Café, 3pm. Ladies get free flow drinks and guys get welcome drinks and 2nd drinks at 20% off.

Organizing a league format MMA event is a tremendous task as it needs continuity. Aside from having great support from his dedicated team of staff from the organizing committee, Rayner wants to thank all the sponsors that have made this event a reality. League format needs long term support from sponsors as it’s not a one off event.

(original artwork by Matt Buvvart)

JFL’s objectives from the beginning, is to provide a platform for amateur fighters to test their skills, gain experience and build a fight record. All this is very important for newcomers and for experience fighters, it keeps them active and busy. This type of opportunity used to be only available in West Malaysia. With JFL, Borneo fighters will face less financial challenge of paying for flights and accommodation to participate in West Malaysia. With this, Rayner hopes to see more fighters being develop from JFL and in the long term help develops the MMA scene in Borneo, which benefits not only the fighters but also gives long term exposure to sponsors and grow the martial arts industry in general.

MMA having a market which consist mostly of youth, sponsors from alcohol brand is eager to come in but I respect the fact that Rayner has resisted even though it is an easy way to get financial support. Many times he has to fork out money from his own pocket to keep JFL going. But all this does not go down in vain, the government has notice the potential of JFL in terms of producing talent from Sabah and has come in to support through the Sabah state Ministry of Youth & Sports, hence the new venue of Likas Indoor Stadium, which have better facilities. Looks like JFL 2nd edition will have a new permanent home.

Rayner getting endorsement for JFL from Sabah state Minister of Youth & Sports , Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan

message from JFL CEO & founder - Rayner Kinsiong 

Watch out for the stories on some of the fighters coming up very soon in next posting.

PS: The awesome JFL poster artwork are design by Matt Buvvart. Himself actively involve in martial arts as the founder of Keningau MMA, a personal trainer and also a professional photographer. 
Do contact him for his artistic services or look him up in Keningau if you want to learn martial arts from him ( 016-509 6887 ), you won't regret it. 

Warrior Fighting Championship 2 - Karabaw represent

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Warrior Fighting Championship is back. This will be the 2nd WFC, the 1st one was back in Nov 2014, but some of the fights were called off due to rain. They are back stronger this time, with a theme - Combat Carnivale. There will be a rave party after fights which features Korea K-Pop girls group Laysha, Asia’s Top Female DJ RayRay from Taiwan, and local popular DJ Jenni-F and DJ Ramsey.

10 bouts of fights are scheduled and 1 Grand Prix Final fight for the bantamweight MMA belt.

Today 19 SEP starting at 6pm till midnight, will see 20 fighters from Malaysia, Singapore, India, Philippines, England, France and Russia.

Representing Borneo will be two fighters from Sabah. Davendra Kumar and Clement John from Karabaw Gym.

Clement will be fighting his 1st pro Muay Thai fight. But at WFC this will be done in an octagon cage. Clement hails from the quaint town of Tamparuli around 40 mins drive from Kota Kinabalu. Home to the popular local Dusun song 'Jambatan Tamparuli' and a popular stop before the journey to Mt. Kinabalu National Park. This is also home to Karabaw Gym - Tamparuli branch. Headed by coach Vallerio Gumbilai. 

Clement trains at Karabaw Gym Tamparuli whenever he's back home as he is still studying in Kuching Polytechnic, in his last year of Petrochemical Diploma. While in Kuching, Clement sometimes train at the fame Muay Thai gym of Kuching - SS Fighter.
Clement is from a family of 4 siblings, all boys. All of them is into football, only Clement venture out to martial arts. But he still plays football actively

Clement only got started in martial arts a year ago. He used to watch UFC and MMA fights in youtube during school days and decided to enroll in a martial arts gym. Coach Vallerio trained him in MMA and MuayThai. With the guidance of karabaw Gym Head Coach - Sensei Rayner Kinsiong ( ONE FC fighter ) , Clement skills improved and he started to participate in amateur MuayThai competition. For MMA Clement fought in Jesselton Fight League ( the 1st & biggest MMA fight league in Borneo ) fighting as a bantamweight, he reached the Semi Finals. He also managed to reached the quarter finals of MIMMA3 this year.

At weighing -in on 18 SEP

For this fight Clement need to bulk up for Featherweight. Clement actually took this fight in short notice. He is replacing Matt Clare of USA. Clement will be fighting Wevind Bhaskaran. He will be looking to use his favorite technique of low leg kicks to control the fight.

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At weighing -in on 18 SEP

Life is a fight. For Davendra Kumar this really rings true. During his school days in Labuan, he used to get bullied a lot. Getting fed up with not having the skills to fight back, Dave learned boxing from ex Malaysian national boxer Koh Chan Lee in Labuan.

When he got to Kota Kinabalu, he landed in the door steps of Karabaw Gym. Rayner sees the fire in Dave's eyes. Started to coach him in and his brother Gulan. Sensei Rayner train Dave in MMA & MuayThai. Coach Andy Bartholomew coach him in BJJ and Coach Ryandell Joe Kitingan ( ex Sabah state boxer ) further sharpen Dave's boxing skills.

Finding it hard to get a good paying job and with lots of financial challenges, Dave have chosen to do this full time, because fighting is what he knows best. He trains like a man possessed.  

" Probably the hardest working boy in our gym. I promised him a shot if he prove to me that he wants it bad enough! He did, everyday without fail! So i kept my words... a title shot for him at the Warrior Fighting Championship 4 men bantamweight Grand Prix Title in Penang's top event! Fighting along with some very tough opponents. Win or Lose, this is a journey every fighter would have to go through... waiting for an easy fight isn't one" - Sensei Rayner Kinsiong. 

Seing his dedication and heart Sensei Rayner signed him up for Ultimate Beatdown 17. Dave lost by submission. But this is only the beginning of Dave's journey. Moving to Pro MMA fight at Bantamweight, Dave will be facing some very formidable opponents. In this Grand Prix tile fight, he will meet an experience MMA fighter from Philipines - Gary Espinar ( 3-4-0 ).

In another bout for this title match, will see the Ultimate Beatdown 17 Featherweight Champion - Chaitanya Gavali of India vs Jonathan Clemens of the USA.

The beautiful WFC Title belt...awaiting the winner of the Grand Prix Bantamweight

Sensei Rayner with his fighters in Penang

Coach Ryandell with Dave at fight venue Khoo Kongsi

Karabaw team at WFC2 fight venue - Khoo Kongsi, Penang

Sensei Rayner has done all he can to prepared both this two fighters for WFC 2. Today it's up to them to perform in the cage. Karabaw's presence here today would not be possible if it's without the help of 0very supportive sponsors from Sabah, namely: Dihnar Group, Fitness Connection and Borneo Majubina...whom is the main sponsors

 Wishing the both the Borneon fighters all the best!.

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WFC 2 will also see the rematch of female MMA fighters ; Rachel Short of England vs Adek Omar of Malaysia. Policewoman Adek will seek her revenge after she lost by TKO to Rachel in Mixed Martial Arr - MMA on a cruise ship back in June 2015.

At Pro MMA - Middleweight, Soon Keat Lim will be representing Penang, Malaysia. His heavy hands will be meeting Nikolai Kozyrev from Russia, fighting out of AKA Thailand.

Yadwinder Singh from India is a kickboxing and BJJ champion from multiple organisations with a complete MMA background.
He will be taking on traditional martial artist Marc Guyon who's a Wing Chun master. Yadwinder is a full time fighter while Marc is a full time professional with a degree in finance from London.

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WFC 2 will see Malaysian ONE Championship fighter, Nik Harris as the commentator

And what is a fight without the ring girls?....WFC really knows how to get this right, by selecting the most eligible girls for this through a Warrior Cage Girls Search. This is certainly a first for a fight event in Malaysia. Today fight fans will get to see the the girls that won the search which was held on 10 SEP. Cheer on guys!

Some of the finalist...which one will be the Ring Girls of WFC...witness their appearance today 

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