WARRIORS FC - 1st TO ESTABLISH RANKING SYSTEM AND REGULATE SAFETY

As I burnt the midnight oil writing this story, up north in the island of Penang, a team of crew in Gurney Paragon Mall is busy setting up for Warriors FC. Since 2014, Warriors FC (WFC) has been the premier combat sports promotion in the northern region of Malaysia. They have organized a few successful events which not only feature many local martial arts stars but also athlete from outside Malaysia. WFC has also managed to successfully provide a full entertainment package to fight fans by combining an after fight party at clubs where fight fans can mingle and get to meet the fighters and their team.

Pass WFC events

But this Sunday fight ( 31 JUL 2016 ) will see WFC taking a very important steps towards improving the standard of combat sports in this country. WFC is setting up a ranking system for all weight categories. Sunday event is not a one off fight event to determine the ranking but will be the start as WFC will continuously organise series of events to further deepen the rank for each weight category. This will be the first combat sports promotion in Malaysia to do such ranking, which usually is done by bigger organization such as Japan’s Shooto, UFC, Bellator and K1.

Sunday’s event will be led by a pro card in welterweight. WFC also will be the first in Malaysia to feature the 4-men Grand Prix in 2 separate divisions as the launch of Warriors Fighting Championship MMA ranking system. The Grand Prix tournament will witness an athlete fight twice in one night to gain the top spot of the ranking.

THE LIST OF FIGHT IS AS FOLLOWS: -

Professional MMA Welterweight (under 77.1 kg)
Marlon Santos Souza (Brazil) VS Arben “Bigbang” Escayo (Philippines)
Amateur MMA Featherweight – Grand Prix (under 65.8 kg)
Loc Tranquang (Vietnam)
Farid Arif (Malaysia)
Nursultan Amangeldiev (Kazakhstan)
Shareh Nasrullah (Malaysia)
Amateur MMA Flyweight – Grand Prix (under 56.7 kg)
Murugan Silvarajoo (Malaysia)
Hussain Jan Turi (Pakistan)
Akezhan Amangeldin (Kazakhstan)
Nik Alfam (Malaysia)

There will also be 7 Malaysian Amateur MMA and Kickboxing matches for up and coming talents in the local combat sport scene:

Amatuer MMA Heavyweight (120 kg)
Shafiq Marican (Positive Gym) VS Azreel Izzat (Lekir MMA)
Amateur MMA Flyweight (56.7 kg)
Calsen Choong (K One MMA Academy) VS Eddy see (MuayFit)
Amatuer MMA Welterweight (77 kg)
Jason George (K-One MMA Academy) VS Amirul Firdaus (Lekir MMA)
Amatuer MMA Featherweight (66 kg)
Shaik Muhd Afiq (K-One MMA Academy) VS Fadilah Abdul Rahim (PM Fight Club)

Amatuer Kickboxing (68 kg)
Jordan Chin (Tactical gym) VS Samueal Durairaj (Meekhong Muay Thai)
Amatuer Kickboxing (66 kg)
Mervien Raj (Saiprawat Gym) VS Abd Nur Fateh (Tactical Gym)
Amatuer Kickboxing (73 kg)
Wei Ko (Tactical Gym) VS Alif Mokhtar (Lekir MMA)

According to Dominic Dorall. WFC's President and CEO, this ranking system will see an organized structure being implemented where fighters pass records of fights will be recorded and given scores. New comers whom just started their amateur fighting career will be pooled in a division where most of them are also just starting out.

As their record starts to improve, they will be move to a higher division. Eventually fighters that have at least 5 or more amateur fights with respectable results will progress to be a pro in the top divisions. This top divisions again will have 2 group, where one group will be fighters that just turn pro, and the other one are pros that have already fought a couple of times.

As each fighter will be match among fighters in his own divisions, this will create competitiveness to top the group and also avoid mismatch. This is a very important factor as a mismatch can results in serious injuries when fighters skills differs too much.

Top rank fighter will eventually be offered title fight

Ranking system will also create an organize system for fighters to have their fights properly recorded. Experience at IMMAF (International MMA Federation) 2014 was a learning point. At IMMAF 2014 where MIMMA1 champions were sent to Las Vegas to compete representing Malaysia, IMMAF officials scrutinized the fight records of Malaysian fighters and questions some of the fight records which makes our fighters appear to be fighting pro which disqualify them for participating in IMMAF World Championship, which is only for amatuer fighters. It must be noted that in the early days of 2000 – 2014 many fight events in Malaysia were not regulated by any sanctioning bodies and organisers practically run an event base on their own terms and regulations.

Matchmaker FS Cheng going through some detailks with Arben and Marlon

Sunday’s WFC event held at Gurney Paragon Mall is free. Only a few dinner tables will be sold to collect funds for charity which will go to St. Joseph Orphanage and Children Protection Society. Not only just contributing charitable funds, but WARRIORS (WFC) has also started providing a program for youth/athletes to help to grow the sports of MMA in Malaysia.

WFC seeks to discover and develop local MMA talents by being the platform for amateur and professional MMA practitioners to compete and put their highly honed skills and countless hours of dedicated training to the test.

Safety is also a top priorities, especially for a full contact sports like MMA & Kickboxing. The promotion would be the first in Malaysia to regulate a fighters’ license that will ensure the safety of all fighters and promotions. There will be a mandatory blood test (which test for HIV, Hepatitis & STD) to further protect the well-being of the athletes for all WFC MMA events. 

Drawing blood from fighters for blood test

Dominic Dorall. WFC's President and CEO (middle) with his partners from REEBOK 

On 31st July 2016, WFC will be launched by a signing ceremony. This is between WFC Managing Director Dato’ C.C. Ooi , Officiating the partnership of WARRIORS and Reebok Malaysia (under RSH (M) Sdn. Bhd. to activate Reebok related events in Malaysia.

Reebok currently is active in partnership with CrossFit, Les Mills, UFC, Spartan Race (Obstacle Race), Ragnar Relay. This signing will see in the future WARRIORS branded event in various sports events other than combat sports, such as crossfit and obstacle run, all supported strongly by Reebok.

WFC will also be signing a MOU with UiTM to further explore and develop future events as partners.

After the ceremony, the first fight will start at 2.30pm. Come and witness foreign fighters from various countries such as Vietnam, Pakistan and Khazakstan and local Malaysian boys showcasing their talent in martial arts.

Don’t miss the main card fight featuring Brazilian Marlon Santos Souza vs Arben “Bigbang” Escayo of Philippines. Marlon is debuting pro MMA. Arben has a 1-2-0 record and have experience fighting two former UFC fighter; Will Chope and Tommy Harden.

 

Fighting at amateur welterweight meanwhile will be Sabahan Jason George, formerly with Team Karabaw Kota Kinabalu, but have since move to Penang, which he nows represent K-ONE MMA. George will look to collect another win after last July’s Warriors Fight Challenge. George will face Amirul Fidaus of Lekir MMA.

For more information about WFC’s events and partnership enquiries, please visit www.facebook.com/WarriorFCAsia.

A short interview with Jason Lilly - Vice President of Operations of World Series of Fighting Global

Can you tell me a little about the owner of WSOFGC?
Dunesa Hesser is one of the owners of WSOF Global Championship. Her and her husband also have ownership stake in WSOF. She was born in Escalante, Philippines and is the only female owner of a major MMA organization. WSOF-GC focuses on the international development of the WSOF brand.

Dunesa with Evgeny at WSOF GC Japan in Feb 2016

How many times have WSOFGC been organised? There will be a WSOF affiliate event in Kota Kinabalu in Sept..JFL . How is this affiliate event in relation to WSOFG?

This event is our third in Asia, having previously held events in Hainan, China and Tokyo, Japan. We also have 15 affiliates in 13 countries on 6 continents around the world, including JFL in Malaysia. Our affiliates can utilize the WSOF Global name to help them with their marketing and to secure better production and sponsorship deals for their organizations. In turn, they provide fight footage for our online WSOF Global Fight Library, where fans from all over the world can watch ALL of the affiliates and major events for just $4.99US per month.

WSOF GC affliate promotion

Newest edition to the WSOF GC family, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia based JFL MMA & STAND Kickboxing

Will WSOFGC be organise in various place across Asia in future? Or just focus Asian location? 

As I mentioned above our global reach is on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Whereas we are thriving in the Asian market, we hope to expand into Europe, South Africa, and Australia for our larger events. Stay tuned!

Philipines are very active in combat sports now...with PXC ,UGB, Pan Asian BJJ and ONE...now with WSOFG...do you see Philipines as a place with endless talent or a place where fight fans are passionate? 

Philippines fans have always been very passionate about sports, especially about combat sports. They have a lot of unknown talent. We plan to showcase some of the future stars of MMA this weekend.

Dunesa and Jason with the Pinoy fighters

What is WSOFGC plans for future?..to compete with ONE for Asian market ? 

We aren't here to compete with anyone. There's plenty of MMA for everyone. With our reach in so many places across the world, we already feel like we are the overall number two market. With that said, we want to work WITH other promotions, not against. We would love for the winner of our Erokhin vs Odoms main event to challenge Brandon Vera at ONE. It's a win for both organizations.

World Series of Fighting Global Championship -3 @ Manila

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING - GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP Official Weigh-Ins Complete – Main Event is Set for WSOF GC 3: Philippines Event Scheduled for July 30 at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines QUEZON CITY, MANILA, PHILIPPINES July 29, 2016 World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) has finished with their weigh ins and all fights are a go.

All main card fighters made weight without incident, including the Heavyweight Title Main Event, Russia’s Evgeny Erokhin (230) vs United States’ Richard Odoms (262). Official Weights Below Evgeny Erokhin (230) vs Richard Odoms (262) Mario Sismundo (145) vs Maimaitituoheti (140) Yusaku Nakamura (125) vs Tim Moore (125) Jujeath Nagaowa (106) vs Yuko Kiryu (105) Lawrence DiGiulio (125) vs Marcel Adur (126) Ahmed Mujtaba (143) vs Neil Larano (143) Jenelyn Olsim (115) vs Nayara Hemily (113) *Jessdan Dela Pena (162) vs Kelvin Ong (156) **Yadwinder Singh (125) vs Uloomi Karim (125) May Ooi (116) vs Katherine Roy (115)

* Jessdan Dela Pena failed to reach his contracted weight of 155, coming in at 162. His opponent, Kelvin Ong, came in at 150, so he was given two hours to cut to 160 in order for both fighters to be within 10 pounds, but failed to do so. His opponent weighed back in at 156 and the fight was declared official. Jessdan and Kelvin agreed to a 50% of Jessdan’s total fight purse, which will be given to Kelvin. 

** Yadwinder Singh failed to make weight on his first attempt (127.5) but managed to make the 125-lb mark within an hour.

Main Event will be Heavyweight Championship featuring WSOF Global Champion, Russia’s Evgeny Erokhin (14-4), against #1 contender, USA’s Richard Odoms (11-2). The main card also features the first round of a 4-man flyweight tournament, with the winners competing later this year for the inaugural WSOF Global Flyweight Title.

World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) will air LIVE and FREE in its entirety this weekend, starting at 6am EST this Saturday, July 30 in United States at wsofgc.com. Fans can access the entire 10-fight event at wsofgc.com, as well as through mmaweekly.com, globalcombatnetwork.com, and fightnewsaustralia.com.

Another unique element that WSOF-GC is bringing to their fans is a 360-degree perspective of the fights courtesy of their new partner, Livit. Fans can access this through the LivitNow app to watch the event from a perspective like no other. Fans will have the capability to control how they see the action and the crowd that night. In addition to the live, free event, wsofgc.com is hosting a FREE weekend of its Global Fight Library. Fans can log on to the website and see not only this weekend’s bouts, but previous events including previous fights from WSOF-GC affiliates (United Kingdom’s ICE FC, Argentina’s ULLAMP, Italy’s SLAM FC, Costa Rica’s Calvo Promotions, Puerto Rico’s Royalty Combat, and Philippines’ Underground Battle MMA). 

WSOF-GC will host WSOF-GC 3 Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 30, 2016. World Series of Fighting Global’s ultimate mission is to bring together the best athletes from countries and organizations across the world to compete for a true, globally-recognized world champion.

Evgeny Erokhin won the WSOF Global World Heavyweight Championship back on February 7 in Tokyo, Japan, with a first round TKO victory over former Bellator contender, Brandon Cash. Evgeny brings an impressive win streak into the decagon with nine straight wins via knockout, including wins over Brett Rogers, Mike Kyle, Jeff Monson, and Tim Hague.

Will Russian Evgeny be able to defends his belt?

Richard Odoms made his WSOF Global debut in Tokyo in February and was on hand to witness Evgeny win his championship. Odoms had a very powerful first round KO stoppage, flattening Japan’s Yusuke Kawaguchi in the first round with a knee to the head. Odoms has won three straight fights, with two of those wins coming by first round KO/TKO.

Richard Odoms signing autograph on WSOFGC poster

Kelvin Ong : The ICE MAN pro MMA debut in WSOF GC-3

In the early hours of 2am every morning, Kelvin Ong wakes up and starts to prepare for work. As the eldest and only son in the family, Kelvin run a family business with his mother in a stall at the LIDO market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Kelvin will be busy preparing all the ingredients to make porridge and herbal tea. These items are the hot selling items and he prepares them meticulously. By 5am he is already at the market setting up his stall and business will continue till 10am.

From LIDO market it’s off to join Coach AJ Pyro and his Borneo Tribal Squad (BTS) team mates for a grueling session of strength and conditioning training. Coach AJ’s session of Spartan like training for his team. He work them on hill sprints and lots of high intensity interval exercise which is certainly not for the faint hearted.

After morning training, often under the hot sun, Kelvin will go back to have a break and sleep for a few hours. By 5pm he will be ready and leave for BTS gym for the evening session training to polish his martial arts skills. Wrestling, BJJ, Muaythai and boxing is a weekly routine. After the evening session, Kelvin goes back to rest and sleep for another few hours and wakes up at 2am again to continue his routine.

 

The BTS 'family'

This is Kelvin’s life, 7 days a week and 30 days a month, no off day. This is the life he has choosen and dedicated to ever since he join BTS two years ago. Kelvin has always been interested in fitness but never practice martial arts before BTS. Consider a late comer at age 26 when he started training but due to his passion and the hardwork he put in he is able to improve fast and has won in Sabah BJJ Open, Sabah State boxing, K1 Kickboxing & Mata Leao grappling in Fight Fest and MIMMA.

Tonight, 30 JUL 2016 will see Kelvin representing Malaysia in his pro MMA debut against This is a fight in World Series of Fighting Global Championship 3 (WSOF GC), happening in Smart Araneta Coliseum Manila, where the late boxing legend Mohamad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in 1975.

WSOF GC focus on the international development of combat sports of the WSOF brand. WSOF GC-3 will have 10 bouts headed by the main card of Evgeny Erokin of Russia vs USA’s Richard Odoms. Having 5 Pinoy on the cards will be featured as Philipinos vs the world and Kelvin will face one of them - Jessdan dela Pena. He is a matchmaker for UnderGround Battle (UGB), a Philipine base MMA promotion and this is his 2nd fight after a loss in March this year at UGB 14.

Kelvin took this fight at a month notice, but at BTS, coach AJ’s philosophy is to always train and be prepared - always learning and improving, so when a fight comes along, his team can focus and fine tune and they will be ready.

Kelvin will be fighting at Lightweight. ( at the time of writing, Kelvin has made weight but Jessdan was over by around 8 pounds ), but the fight is still on, 

“ I am excited! I train hard daily, I have been waiting for an opportunity like this fight with WSOF Global! This is huge - I really feel honoured and cannot wait to bring it in this cage tonight!”

On how he feel to be challenging a Pinoy in their home ground?
“I am ok with it. I go into the cage not for the fame, or fans, but for myself, for BTS (my team), my family, Sabah and Malaysia. I don't care if the audience boos me because I am fighting a local Philippino, really it is my opponent that is under the real pressure.”

Ask about his crazy schedule daily, Kelvin has this to say, 

“I train like this EVERY DAY ALL year round - I also work EVERY DAY, no days off. It is not easy, but I want it and I work for it. Some people see me smiling in the gym or on facebook, and I love my life, but there are some serious sacrifices behind the scenes that people never see. I think to be successful, you need to put in the hard work, be disciplined and focused. Many people see the fame and glamour and want it without working for it. I see the athletes and the fights and I don't want the fame, I love the journey - I want to train and compete - simple as that.”

Dr Audrey Laura is Kelvin's team mate. She's a pro fighter and also has a hectic schedule being a doctor in the emergency unit of Kota Kinabalu Queen Elizabeth Hospital. But even she feels that Kelvin’s daily routine is crazier and more packed than hers, but despite that, she says he still shows up and give his all during training. She describe Kelvin as a dedicated, disciplined and determined person.

“ He is my source of energy. Whenever I feel tired or feel like giving up but when I think of Kelvin…he motivates me to keep going. His passion drives me forward.”

She look up to him as a big brother and love the sincerity and humbleness that Kelvin has.

“ Kelvin is a gentleman who probably won’t talk much to a stranger but once he is comfortable with you, he just cant stop talking”

Kelvin and his BTS team mate, Tira (L) and Dr Audrey (R) literally supporting him for his WSOFGC fight

Beffiting his quiet personality , AJ gave Kelvin the nick name 'ICE MAN'. Not just because Kelvin don't talk much, but also to portray's Kelvin's fighting style...like an assasin, cool as ice...the noise will not come from his mouth but will be from his fist impacting his opponent's face.

Proudly representing Malaysia in Philipines vs the World. With Emily Barner BTS General manager and Coach AJ Pyro BTS's head Coach and founder

Kelvin at his stall in LIDO market..." Mom I will make you proud!"

WARRIORS FC: THE SEARCH FOR WARRIORS

Penang is located in the northern region of Malaysia. This area in terms of martial arts wise is heavily influence by Muaythai as the borders to southern Thailand is just about 200km away, but these last three years has seen a tremendous growth of MMA. Partly thanks to Warriors FC. The pioneer of MMA scene in northern Malaysia.

Today happening at K-One MMA Academy is Warriors FC is organising its Fight Challenge. Today will see a amateur qualifiers for the first Warriors MMA Amateur Grand Prix. Today's fight will also see a ranking system being established for its fighters.

Expect sparks to fly in the main fight card between Joshua Khiew of Penang Top Team and Joseph Yap of Elitez MMA. 

Joshua is a veteran in amateur MMA in Malaysia. Having 9 fights experience under him, his first fight was in the now defunct Malaysian Fighting Championship. But it was in MIMMA2 that he really grew. Reaching the grand finals where he lost to eventual champion Keanu Subba. In 2015, Joshua reached the semifinals of MIMMA3, losing a 3 round decision to Sabahan finalist Effendey Kalai. Joshua is a well balance fighter and has his 6ft height as a great advantage.

Joseph Yap is a martial arts prodigy from Elitez MMA. At 25 this year, he only started seriously training in Jan 2015. Under the careful guidance of Elitez MMA founder Andy Teh teaching Joseph MMA and coach Effendey Kalai in boxing and Ngeoh Jian Cong in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Joseph soaks it all in like a sponge. In March 2015 he debut in his first MMA match. Going in like a dynamite in Ultimate Beatdown 15 winning by TKO with punches.

Joseph participated in MIMMA4 this year and will be in the semifinals this August. He was a feature fighter in 2015 MIMMA3: Contender Fight. Winning his featherweight fight vs Uriel Yu. He now has 6 amateur fights under him and all these fights are by TKO / submission. Joseph is looking to continue his winning streak and aimed to use his aggressiveness to win this match.

Ask on how this fight came about rather close to his MIMMA4 semifinals appearance, Joseph answered; "I planned to spar around actually. Then came Warrior FC but facing Joshua Khiew wasn't what I had in mind. Looking forward to it however because it would be a different experience to face a taller , longer reach & a very experienced fighter. 

I always consider myself as the underdog or new because like most people they have a proper background like Muay Thai, Boxing, Tae Kwan Doe & etc. I'm basically a white paper as I've mentioned I have zero knowledge before joining Elitez MMA. Not to mention he is ridiculously tall. Haha. 

Hmm.. It's a month away so there will be enough time to recover. That doesn't mean I'm letting my guard down though.

My strategy is usually the same against any other opponent. I'll take whatever that comes. Planning to be an overall fighter with no specific game plan & one thing for sure.. I never ever underestimate my opponents."

FIST of PASSION , starred by Andy Teh and Joseph Yap

Recently, aside from polishing his fighting skills, Joseph also tested his acting chops in a Malaysian movie, FIST of PASSION, a Malaysian first film that uses MMA as a backdrop. In this movie he starred opposite his coach Andy Teh as Ah Long. Also recently he completed two fitness courses at FITM and is currently working as a coach at Elitez Mixed Martial Arts Academy.

In this Warrior Fight Challenge we will also see the appearance of Borneon from Sabah.

Jason George will be fighting at welterweight vs Woon Eng Wooi of Penang Top Team. Jason is of Dusun heritage born in Sandakan. He used to train with Team Karabaw in Kota Kinabalu and fought middleweight in Jesselton Fight League grand finals. He also has experience in amateur Muaythai tournament and boxing. His opponent Woon is a MIMMA2 semifinalist & has a MMA amateur record of 2-1-0.

In 2015 Ultimate Beatdown 17, he represented Team Karabaw and was scheduled for a pro fight card vs Brad Robinson, but it was cancelled. After that, Jason reassessed his priorities and decided to learn more and add more skills to his arsenal. In January this year, when K-ONE MMA Academy offered a scholarship program, Jason jumped on this opportunity. 30 candidates were interviewed and put through some physical tests. Only 5 were selected: 1 Brazillian, 2 Indonesian and 2 Sabahan. The other Sabahan is Hartley Peter, from Penampang.

The call for fighters in January 2016

Hartley use to train at Borneo Tribal Squad. For tonight fight, Hartley will represent K-ONE MMA Academy and fight in featherweight vs Kajendra Rao of SEA Combat Gym

Going through the medical check before fight, together with compatriot Hartley Peter

We wish both these two Sabahans good luck! Let's bring home some medals!

Fighters briefing by MMA pioneer Melvin Yeoh

Catch all the fights tonight at 6pm at K-ONE MMA Academy, they have a great set up where platforms are built on top circling the cage where fight fans can watch the fight with excellent view. Tickets are still available. Call: +604- 226 2027.

ANN OSMAN: BACK TO THE GRIND

By breaking many stereotypes; being Malaysian 1st female muslim pro MMA athlete; with her fighting prowess, having the magazine cover looks and great PR skills, Sabahan Ann 'Athena' Osman became ONE Championship first female media darling. 

It has been more than 8 months since she last stepped into ONE Championship's oval cage. It was in Kuala Lumpur last Oct at ONE Championship: Tigers of Asia where Ann met Russian Irina Mazepa. Irina broken Ann's 3 fight winning streak. 

In her absence ONE has bank in on their new star, Angela Lee; whom became ONE Championship 1st female World Champion in flyweight in May this year defeating Japanese Mei Yamaguchi in a back and forth thrilling fight.

After the loss Ann has taken a couple of days to recuperate her body and mind. Then business starts again and she goes back to the grind. Her coach at Borneo tribal Squad, AJ Pyro constantly kept her busy even though no fight was planned. This is so that they can be ready anytime; and now that time has arrive. 

Taking on Egyptian Haiat Farag Youssef this Saturday at Hefei China for ONE Championship: Dynasty of Champion. This will be Ann's 3rd time facing an Egyptian. She has beaten Walaa Abas, Aya Saied Saber before meeting Irina.

Farag is a freestyle wrestler and a newcomer to MMA. She represented Egypt in the 2008 summer Olympic Games in Beijing. Her MMA record is 1-0-0 which she earns from fighting in Egyptian FC 15. 

Before she flew to China on Wednesday, I manage to have a short chat with Ann.

Is this fight in China planned earlier? Were you expecting to fight in July, just days before Hari Raya?
We received the offer early June so to say whether it was planned, hmm, yes and no. I have missed returning to the cage so much so even if its days before Raya, the show must go on.

How do you cope with fasting and having a full training camp?

Schedule is different from my usual fight camps (which is usually not during Ramadan). We train mostly in the gym after iftar / buka puasa. Some days we will train an hour close to breaking fast, then break fast with a simple snack and water and then continue to train afterwards.

breaking fast before her training

You have been busy lately, You are now ambassador for AA Capital & Sebangga Auto and you open Fitness Rites.Tell us more about these non-fight ventures
I am very much grateful to be appointed as the Talent Director for Sebangga Auto's CSR program, Sabah Excellence Development Program (SEDP), a program that strives to scout and help young local Sabahan talent with potential in their own area of expertise be it in sports, arts, IT or academics to further excel in what they do. 

I believe this will definitely help our Sabahan community as Sabah is known to be a pool of talent. The SEDP portal will soon be up, so stay tuned! 

Fitness Rites is my own fitness studio which I have opened since mid 2015 with the aim to help so many out there with their fitness goals. I definitely love the concept we have at Fitness Rites as we focus on making fitness an everyday lifestyle. 

With our core programme, Fitness Xpress, it is THE perfect workout for any busy person out there. We also offer various group classes for anyone who wants to reap the benefit of different workouts. Check out www.fitnessrites.com to know more!

Are you still running your tourism business? 

Yes, Xtreme Paddlers has been quite busy handling groups for white water rafting tours. Just last Dec, we hosted Astro's State of Sport TV crew to a Padas White water rafting adventure. It was a perfect time to film as water levels were high which definitely set up more thrilling rapids. It turn out to be one of the best moments of the show. You can catch this on Astro State of Sport channel 801 to watch their episod in Sabah.

Where do you get all these energy to manage all these? Any special supplements? 

Tell us about your diet?

I generally eat healthy , making sure I fuel my body right as eating healthy will give me the energy I need to get about the day. I do enjoy my favorite treats but usually have it during the weekend when I am out with friends and family.

Going back to 2015 Oct, how did you cope with the loss to Irina? 

Who help you most getting back up?

It can be frustrating to lose a fight as every fighter train hard to win however I always take every fight as a learning curve no matter if I win or not. There's always a takeaway from every match or fight and the sooner you are able to assess your game and improve, the much quicker you are on getting back up. 

Good or bad times , her coach AJ always got her back

My coach AJ who I have trained with since day 1 with Borneo Tribal Squad has definitely helped me everyday on my techniques. I have also had a chance to train with our Q23 Academy professor and BJJ black belt, Prof Adam Kayoom in Bangkok as well as trained with several more talented people who I have met and be friends with.

You are generally known as superior in your grappling, do you feel that you need to step up on striking?

I aim to focus on all aspect of my game and improve overall as oppose to just focusing on one aspect.

Love what you do and you will achieve success

Warriors of Borneo is with Team ANNOSMAN for her fight in China this Saturday. Show your support and get yourself a Team ANNOSMAN supporter t-shirt. For more infor call +6011 12860896/Call : 088 421088