NATHANIEL LAKAI'S TIME TO SHINE

MIMMA5 Semi-Finals is upon us. 24 FEB at Paradigm Mall.

One of the most exciting division is the Lightweight. This category usually have fighters that is fast pace but at same time packs lots of power.

The best example was the MIMMA4 Grand Finals between jace Law of Sarawak and Hui Keng Fai of Kuala Lumpur. A fight that was fully of non-stop action, both fighters going forward all the time. In my book, the best fight in MIMMA's history so far.

It was to my delight that last year Jace decides to had another go for the Lightweight title in MIMMA5. He fought 4 times, gaining 2 decision win and 2 finishes, giving him 21 points.

Keng Fai also participated but he was rather occupied with his flourishing pro boxing career. He only fought twice in MIMMA5 league format. Both that victory is by finishes, which earned him 19 points ( plus the walkover and withdrawals )

Standing on top of MIMMA5 Lightweight is a newcomer from Miri Sarawak. Nathaniel Imang Lakai of Warmonger Gym. At only 24 this year. He is of mix  ethnics heritage, his dad being a Kelabit and mom Kayan  

Nathaniel first intro to martial arts was when one of his teacher showed him an Aikido move which spark his interest. He went to Kuching to search and found Studio 23. Albert Lim showed him the beauty of Brazilian JiuJitsu, and that's the beginning of his MMA journey.

Nathaniel has a total MMA fight record of 6-1 as of date. To reach this Semi, he fought 4 times. ( 3 wins and 1 loss ). He lost to Jace by decision in League 3. 

It certainly was happy news to me that Nathaniel will fight Jace Law again in the semi. Looking forward to an explosive fight, but again my wish does not come true. Jace has announce his retirement from MIMMA5. 

The rematch that was not meant to be

Which left Nathaniel without an confirm opponent until 3 days ago (21 FEB ) that MIMMA has replaced Jace with Asuad Bin Khalid. Nathaniel last fight was with Asuad, back in Nov and he won by decision.

Warriors of Borneo manage to have a quick catch up with Nathaniel before he flew to KL to weigh-in.

Where did you further your martial arts learning after exposure to BJJ in Kuching?
After BJJ in Kuching, I picked up Muaythai when I moved back to Miri. I ended up in Warmonger because that's the only gym with credibility at that time. Trevor was a big news in Sarawak Muaythai fight scene.

Tell me about Warmonger? You guys look like a tight knit bunch. What's special about Warmonger, the place, the people...and how do you see the scene of MMA in Miri?
In Warmonger it really has that family vibe. The coaches care about you, they really do. We joke around with each other, play pranks,... its all good. 

Then when we train, they push us like we're their own kids. Like how a father would pressure you to study.
MMA scene in miri is not that big yet but there are a couple of young talented guys that we keep an eye on.

A very successful weekend outing to KK's BJJ event ( Copa de Borneo and Sabah Grappling Quest ) for Warmonger From left to right: Nathaniel, Emilia, Nigel

You only lost to Jace so far, how do you feel not able to redeem the lost in a rematch?
No rematch no problem for me. Its a learning process for me. 

I move on and I aim to improve all the time. 

Jace and Nathaniel, two of Sarawak's best MMA exponent

You defeated Asuad in your last fight. How do you feel for this Semi-final meeting him again? Do you see it as an easy match? Do you expect to meet Keng Fai in finals? 

I think it will be an interesting match up. I'm planning to bring something different to this fight and I never consider anyone as an easy match. It would be foolish to underestimate someone in life. 

Keng Fai is going againts Syafiq. I don't really know who is gonna win. Syafiq is a really a dynamic fighter. His kick setups are pretty impressive againts other competitors and he has been in the MIMMA scene for a long time.
Keng Fai is the current champ. A great boxer and a blue belt in BJJ. I'm excited to watch their match as an MMA fan too.

MIMMA5 League 5 - Nathaniel vs Asuad 

MIMMA5 League 5 - Nathaniel vs Asuad 

MIMMA5 League 3 - Nathaniel vs Jace

As an East Malaysian, that you need to travel regularly to KL to fight. how do you feel about MIMMA5 league format?
As an East Malaysian it really helps to have my sponsors, without them supporting me from the back I won't be able to do what I do shout out to KOCHOOKS, CHOMPS, DNNCO, WISEL, RUNR and Nasi Ulam 883

What do you do for a living? What's your plan for your future? 

Is fighting gonna be a career for you?
I'm a warehouse manager at my family's company DNNCO. 

I plan to go pro. Make it to the big scene and still help my family with the business. You'll always need a back up in Malaysia.

Tell us a bit about your family. You and your brother Nigel, who started taking martial arts first? Tell us about your relationship. Your mom seems to be a strong supporter. 

Share with readers your motivation and relationship.
I started taking part in martial arts first, then I forced Nigel to join by anilhiating him at home with simple BJJ moves. 

He has been my training partner ever since. We push each other a lot. 

My mum, she doesn't like me fighting. But I always assured her that I'm training really hard so I won't get beaten up too bad. She really is my biggest supporter ever since I started doing sports. I think parents who get behind their kids can really make a difference in performance, who else is there to support you?

So for me every time I enter the cage and about to rip someone's heads off I think of my family, friends, sponsors and how I wouldn't want to let them down. 

Nathaniel & Nigel working on their ground game

How do you chill in Miri? What do you recommend the activities / food for first time visitors to Miri?
In Miri, for off seasons, I'll usually be at the bar getting drunk. CHOMPS is a nice place to chill. Best steak in Miri. 

I recommend jungle tracking here at the Grand Oil Lady.
So much fun with friends.
Food for first timers in Miri, go get drunk at CHOMPS and I'll meet you at A1 coffee shop at 4am for best/cheapest Kolo mee and Laksa!

Nathaniel quick fav facts.

Fav beverage - Fanta orange 

Fav food - my mum's babi kicap 

Fav technique - kimura 

Fav vehicle - Toyota Hilux is the best 

Fav fighter - Khabib Nuramogedov 

Fav movie - Ironman, Antman, Spiderman Homecoming

Big-D's take on MIMMA 5 Heavyweight

photo by Ong Chen fai

After more than 8 months since its tryout in early 2017, MIMMA5  has now reached the sudden death stage, the Semi-finals.

This year MIMMA introduce the new league format. Fighters fought among each other (in their own division) for 7 league rounds of almost every month, to get as much points as possible.

The ultimate aim is to give amateur fighters as many fights as possible to gain exposure and experience.

Personally I was looking forward to Battle of the Borneo Giants in the heavyweight category.
Last year grand finals saw a truly epic fight between Darren Low of Sabah vs Tsan Nieng Khai of Sarawak. Very rarely will the heavyweight go 5 rounds, but both stand their ground and a slugfest ensued. The fight that shook the MIMMA cage!

But looks like my wish not fulfilled, as defending champion Darren has not qualify for finals due to short on points as only the top 4 enters the semi.

As you can see, Darren miss out on points because 5 of the times, his opponent either withdraw or gave him a walkover. Darren only fought twice. Both victory by submission against Niker Tan and Steven Yeoh.

Tsan and Niker holds the advantage of experience.

Tsan (9-2-0) lost to Darren in last year grand finals.

Niker ( 12-5-0 ) lost to Darren in MIMMA3 grand finals.

MIMMA 4 - Tsan  vs Darren ( photo by Mahesan )

MIMMA 3 - Niker vs Darren ( photo by YK Tang )

Warriors of Borneo catch up with Darren to get his thoughts on MIMMA5 heavyweight fights.
   

Hi Darren, I know you miss some fights which makes you had less point to qualify for semi. What was the main reason for this?

Hey Wallace! Well, just a combination of bad timing and bad luck I guess.

I missed the first league due to work commitments during the Hari Raya period.

Then I fought Niker and Steven before having to face Tsan in League 4 – a rematch I was really motivated and training hard for. Unfortunately I injured myself in a freak training accident 1 week before the fight.

League 5 was during a friend’s wedding which I attended in Sabah, and I thought I’d still be able to make the points in League 6 and 7.

Regrettably my opponents both got injured and had to pull out, so I didn’t get enough points to make it to the semi-finals.

How did you feel about the miss? Were you dissapointed not able to defend the title? 

It is what it is man. That’s life and another lesson on takings things in stride. Being upset doesn’t solve anything. Just got to keep training and enjoying what I do. 

Defending the belt is like a bonus that came with dedication to a sport I love. Sure is an awesome experience, but if it happens, then it happens. 

I practice MMA to make my life better, not to be my entire life and I think it’s that mind-set that keeps me going in the sport.

I know Tsan is looking forward actually to battle you again for the belt, do you think without you there Tsan will be the most potential to win among the 4 contender?

I have nothing but respect for Tsan. More so than a fighter, he is a gentleman and carries himself with dignity and good conduct. He’s also the only opponent I haven’t been able to finish and because of my first match with him, I am now a better person and dedicated the time to close a lot of holes in my game. If he can stay healthy and push the fight to where he is strong, then I see him winning Season 5 without me there.

Which semi fight interest you more? Tsan vs Steven or Azreel vs Niker?

With all due respect, I would just like to clarify that this is just my opinion and nothing more. 

Steven is a brawler and has a big heart but I don’t think he can handle Tsan’s technical work, size or resilience. 

Azreel is a brawler with a massive weight advantage and the ability to smother opponents. Niker will have to stick and move to be effective as the smaller man. He also has to not get caught up against the cage, which is easier said than done against a man the size of a fridge (I say that respectfully). This will be the more competitive match to me.

MIMMA5 League 3 . Steven Yeoh vs Darren Low

MIMMA5 League 5 . Azreel  vs Niker

Tell me what u think about the league format? Yes I agree its good as it gives more fights to amateur fighters, but I feel it sort of loose its lustre as it drags a bit and only appeal to hardcore fans.
For an AMATEUR MMA platform, I truly believe a league format is the way to go. 

Amateurs need the fights. They need the cage time and the opportunities to use their skills in a truly competitive setting. The pressure, stress and adrenaline – you just can’t emulate that in training. 

Having said that, I believe there NEEDS to be some changes. 

1) MOST OF ALL, MIMMA HAS TO GIVE THEIR FIGHTERS LONGER BREAKS BETWEEN FIGHTS. You can’t fight a 3 round MMA match every 4 weeks for 9 months without injury – which is exactly what has happened to some of the MIMMA fighters. 

These are grass roots amateur fighters who want to be serious prospects. That won’t happen if they blow out a joint or get brain damaged. The serious guys are sparring 2-3 times a week and the non-heavyweight fighters are cutting weight every month. That’s a HUGE stress on the body and inflammation is GUARANTEED. 

2) If they want to have a monthly event, then split the weight classes such that you get a group of fighters fighting one month and another group fighting the next. This way they get 8 weeks between fights, of which 2 weeks is for recovery. 

3) Adopt the ONE FC weight cut system. MIMMA currently does not have a Light Heavyweight category. Move everyone up one weight class and take their weight 1 week before the fight to make sure they are not cutting a dangerous amount of weight. 

Sorry for the long spill, but I genuinely love this sport and believe MIMMA is mostly on the right track. Fighters don’t complain, so MIMMA doesn’t know. Well here I am telling everyone as a fighter myself.


What advice u have for the Heavyweight in the current rostrum?

Train Hard (and smart). Fight Easy.
Simple . 

Which gym / team actually are you affiliated to? I believe you Damon Soo and Keng Fai are team mates
I represent and train primarily at Marcos Escobar BJJ and Alex’s Gym. Damon is from MEBJJ and Keng Fai is from Alex’s gym, but we all cross train with each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so friends sharpen each other's faces.” Proverbs 27:17 

In KL I also trained at Pushmore for conditioning, Art of Submission and Monarchy MMA. 

In Sabah I train at Sabah Top Team, Team Karabaw and Valor Martial Arts.

You still running your security firm? Fishing looks like your thing,...is it a recent acquired interest? Or Its been a hobby all this while? Why fishing appeal to you?

Yes, K&K Security Services. We provide close protection services as well as armed and unarmed static guard services.

I train all our close protection personnel in hand to hand combat myself.
They are amongst the best in Malaysia. I can say that with confidence.

As for fishing…Fishing is my Religion.

It doesn’t make sense. It’s not the logical thing to do. It’s a waste of time and money.
…but it makes me happy beyond reason.

So what's your plan for future? In terms of your fights and also personal life?

I’m going to just keep training as usual.
Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling and MMA.

Also going to take some time to monitor my diet…
..which I always say I’ll do but never do. Feeling a bit Guilty now.

Also going to get Married this year…
...so who knows what the future holds!?!?!

Hahaha. Aramaitii !!!

Darren with his pillar of strength - Elaine Yap

To cap this,...tell me which ' fight' is toughest for you? And why ( Fishing ).
How big was the fella and what kinda MF ( mother fish...) was it?

Hahahaha!

That's a tough question! Fishing is like a game with many factors.
The hardest fights I've had are all the ones I've lost!!!

Usually fish fight super hard near structure like coral reef to try and cut the line.

I lose most of those fights to Big Dogtooth Tuna (actually a giant mackerel), but managed to land a 55kg one by pure luck when it died from a hook somehow catching its gills. The fish was not wasted as we donated all the meat to an orphanage.

But I would say the most back breaking fight I've had is probably with an estimated 140kg Bullshark on a spinning reel in 200m of water.

Sharks don't fight like fish that run and run until they get tired. Sharks are tricky and know how to conserve energy.

They will swim to the boat easily to confuse you, then run away into the depths and use their large surface area to make you work again - so you have to put a lot of pressure on them and work hard like an MMA fight.

After taking some photos, we cut the hook and let him go to swim again.

Warriors of Borneo thank Darren for his time for this interview and wishes him all the best for all his undertakings.

Darren will be working this Saturday hence will not be present at the semis, but come the grand final in March, he surely will be at the corner of his team mates.

For MMA fans, don't miss MIMMA 5 Semi-finals happening at Paradigm Mall, this Saturday ( 23 FEB 2018 )

ONE WARRIOR SERIES IS COMING TO KOTA KINABALU !

I remember in 2008, Mixed martial arts was still an anomaly to many. As a martial artist I was fascinated with the series of Fight Quest by Discovery Channel hosted by MMA fighter Jimmy Smith and army vet Doug Anderson; also the Human Weapon series by History Channel hosted by MMA fighter Jason Chambers and wrestler Bill Duff. It was really captivating to see them travelling to countries such as Japan, Israel, Philippines to learn from various masters on different styles of martial arts.

Fast forward to 2018. Mixed martial arts is booming and has become the fastest growing sports in the world. 

In Asia, ONE Championship reign supreme. It is the largest global sports media property in Asian history and hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world's best martial artists and world champions.

In Nov 2016, ONE Championship announced the launch of ONE Warrior Series, hosted by Rich Franklin.  In the series Rich, a former multiple-time middleweight world champion, will travel to various Asian nations to visit local gyms beginning in Bangkok, Manila, Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing to discover new and upcoming martial arts talent.

Deserving prospects will be rewarded with a USD 100,000++ contract with ONE Championship!

The promotion’s elite video production team will be following Franklin’s journey across the region, chronicling the action to produce a series of compelling documentary videos.

Catch the first two episode here:

Rich

Franklin, Vice President of ONE Championship and CEO of ONE Warrior Series, stated:
“Asia is the hotbed of the industry’s top martial arts prospects. It comes as no surprise, since martial arts has been home to the region for the past 5,000 years. 

Throughout my time in ONE Championship, I have been witness to some of the best martial arts talent I have ever seen. Stars today such as Angela Lee and Eduard Folayang came from the grassroots level of talent in Asia, and the next martial arts superstar is just waiting to be discovered. 

Follow me on this journey to showcase Asia’s greatest cultural treasure, and join me on the hunt to find ONE Championship’s new wave of superstars.”

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: 

“At ONE Championship, one of our biggest missions is taking martial arts, Asia’s greatest cultural treasure, and placing it front and center for the entire world to witness. One of the ways to do this is by developing local homegrown martial arts superheroes. We are excited to travel across Asia, visiting the most iconic cities, to discover the next big superstar."

Chatri Sityodtong

ONE Warrior Series aims to discover new talent, providing promising young athletes with the platform to unleash their martial arts greatness, at the same time Rich and ONE Warrior Series director Jonathan Fong will also immerse themselves in the local culture and do some sight seeing.

For Malaysian, especially as a Sabahan, it's truly a great honour that ONE Warrior Series, after kick-starting the series in Bangkok the fight capital of Asia, has decided to make Kota Kinabalu (KK), Sabah as their third stop after Jakarta. They will be in KK on 23 FEB 2018.

This is certainly a great acknowledgement for Sabah, as the hotbed for martial arts talent in Malaysia. The venue will be at Borneo Tribal Squad (BTS), which is founded by AJ Pyro and the home gym of Ann Osman. 

Ann, being the 1st Malaysian female pro MMA athlete, was the trail blazer for female MMA in Asia. The charismatic Ann has hold the torch as the ambassador for the sports in Asia and amassed a fight record of 5-4. She last fought for ONE in Kuala Lumpur in August last year. Ann has announced her retirement from fight last Nov and has taken an executive role in ONE Championship.

AJ Pyro  is Ann's coach and one of the pioneer in Malaysian MMA. He was one of the earliest MMA athlete to fight pro in ONE FC ( which was known as previously ) and won the ONE Championship Malaysian National Featherweight title in 2013. AJ last fought for ONE Championship in Jakarta in Jan 2017.

AJ now focuses on developing new local talent. His gym BTS is known as one of the gym with the highest number of pro MMA athlete in Malaysia, with the likes of aforementioned Ann, there are also Audreylaura, Kelvin Ong, Hisyam Samsudin, Allen Solomon Chong.

Ann Osman and her coach AJ Pyro

Kota Kinabalu is also fastly becoming the fight capital of Borneo with many local promotion being held here, such as STAND, JFL, FIGHT FEST, SGQ, RAMPAGE FC and COPA DE BORNEO

By having the tryout in Kota Kinabalu will certainly help promote this tropical city to more people and position Kota Kinabalu as a good spot for combat sports tourism. Sabah's has so much to offer, with its friendly people and the natural beauty ranging from lush green jungle, mesmerising coral to the majestic Mount Kinabalu, it's a heaven for tourist.

Sabah has the historical heritage of the native warrior tribe that practice headhunting in the old days.  This surely will be a subject that Rich Franklin and team will want to find out more about.

Aside from that, I bet the deliciously fresh seafood and the tantalising local Kadazan Dusun dishes will be on Rich Franklin's menu.

In Bangkok, Rich ate scorpion, perhaps when in Kota Kinabalu he will try the sago worm ( inset picture ).

On 23 FEB, the screening and tryouts process will consist of pad sessions, grappling demonstrations, conditioning exams, and an interview process, among others.
Those interested for the tryouts can come walk in on that day or register earlier
( click here to register )

( click here for Borneo Tribal Squad  location ) 

Things to prepare:

• Athletic attire
• MMA gloves and focus mitts or Thai pads
• A coach to hold pads and a grappling partner
• Passport
• A translator if you are unable to speak English

Rich (left) with Jonathan Fong and guest judges; Thai MMA stars Rika Ishige and Shanon Wiratchai (on the right ) briefing the prospect in Bangkok

Physical preparation is one thing, come mentally prepared too as the team will interview you too to evaluate your mindset

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, 

follow them on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, 

and like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

with Rich Franklin in ONE Championship KL