ELOPURA FIGHTS 2 - DEFENDERS OF ELOPURA

Welcome fight fans to Sandakan. The former capital of Sabah ( during the British colonial era ). The biggest city in the east coast of Sabah, Sandakan is also widely promoted as the nature city with many natural attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Combat sports event may not be the top draw for visitors to Sandakan, but Mohamad Ajman Ajmain is just trying to change that; through Elopura Fights. 

This weekend 10-11 March, will see close to 100 Muaythai fighters converge in Sandakan for the 2nd edition of Elopura Fights. 

Mohamad Ajman Ajmain or fondly known as Maman is the president of Sandakan Muaythai Association. He is also the deputy president of Sabah Muaythai Association and has been working passionately developing Muaythai in Sabah.

Elopura Fights is organised by Sandakan Muaythai Association and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, Malaysia Muaythai Association and Sabah Muaythai Association

Let's get to know more about Maman, the man behind Elopura Fights. 

Maman was born in Tawau in 1979, another city in the east coast of Sabah, around 4 hours drive from Sandakan. His interest in martial arts began during his childhood. Having a father whom was a martial arts instructor certainly helps.

"My late father, Ajmain Abd Ghani was active in martial arts. He was a Silat teacher 'Guru Silat' and also manager of Taekwondo Team in Tawau back in the 80's. 

Our home had always been visited by so many people from all over Malaysia

I remember many people from Kelantan and Kedah came (and brought so many food including keropok lekor) for various reasons; some came to learn and quite a few came to challenge my father for a spar. There were also visitors from Indonesia during those days. That influenced my interest in the art of fighting."

In his teenage years, Maman developed an interest in boxing and started learning basic boxing. He also picked up a bit of Tomoi during his uni days (1999-2000) from his Kelantan and Pendang friends. To the extend of even going to their village during semester break to learn more techniques.

His involvement in Muaythai began back in 2011, it was a visit to to Cikgu Alang's house. That night he was hosting an introductory Muaythai seminar which was conducted by Kru Bernard Radin (Vice President of Persatuan Muaythai Malaysia). 

In that seminar Maman began to realise that Muaythai is growing fast as a sports in Malaysia and has commercial value. That was when he started to think of setting up a Muaythai club and training gym, which he eventually formed and named it 66 Unicorn.

Maman works as an immigration officer and ever since he got promoted is now base in Limbang in the state of Sarawak. Which is 10 hours drive from Sandakan. But this does not deters him from making sure Elopura Fights are well organised. With a strong team that supports him at Sandakan, all things gets done. He name his reliable team AskarHantu 66.

"Because they are like ghosts. They are mostly active at night and when they do their work, you don't notice anything today, but suddenly in the morning the work is done."

Warriors of Borneo talks to Maman about Elopura Fights.

This is Elopura Fights second edition (EF2), can you give us a little background on how this event came about?
First Muaythai Event that we organized in Sandakan was Dynamite Naksoo: Asia Fight Tour, Sandakan back in 12th December 2015. Its a collaboration with our Australia counterpart Dynamite Naksoo Muaythai. The event was so succesfull that we started to plan to do another one. 

The second event we did was Elopura Fights (12-13 August 2016) which we collaborated with Boxxtomoi Asia and KL7. We decided to use Elopura Fights as our event name to reflect the locality of the event. Elopura (Elok + Pura) which means Beautiful Land is what Sandakan used to be called once upon a time.

We were planning EF 2 once we completed EF. It was supposed to be held April 2017, but I was promoted and transferred to Sarawak so we have to postpone the event. I was just trying to settle down at my new workplace and cant focus on EF 2. So the project was kept in a drawer until last December 2017. We met with Denz Artisan Coffee Roasters and he expressed his interest in sponsoring our Muaythai Event. After some discussion we agreed to organize EF 2: Defenders of Elopura.

2016 event was very successful, not just for the fights but also the pre-event, you have the Triton convoy, Superbike Convoy, a great welcoming dinner, opening performance by Persatuan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia. What can be expected this year?
This year we are focusing on the fights. We have gathered 38 professional fighters from all over Malaysia including 3 Thai Fighters and 1 from India. We are trying to make it all about the fight first. We have not planned to do any gimmick. Straight to business. Muaythai fights galore.



Can you share on the itinerary for EF2? 
We will have amateur fights from 9am to 4pm. 

There will be 32 amateur bouts, and 3 Semi pro ladies bouts. It will be in super fight format. 

Some of the Defenders of Elopura from 66 Unicorn will see action in amateur fights ( come and support - ammy fights is free entrance )

The Pro fights will begin at 7pm. 9 pro bouts on the first night and 10 pro bouts on the 2nd. The highlight of the 1st night  (10 March)  is Elopura Fights 50kg Champion Belt between local Sandakan favorite fighter Riedzwan Norsyahmie vs Hunson ak Kayan from Sarawak. 

For your info Riedzwan Norsyahmie was the bronze Medallist in 2017 IFMA World Youth Championship Bangkok in August 2017 and Gold Medalist in 2017 World Youth Martial Art Mastership, South Korea in November 2017. But the fightcard is so stacked that all bouts will promise smoking hot fights. 

On second night (11 March) the Elopura Fights 57kg Champion Belt will be the highlight. It will be between Sabah best Muaythai fighter Shah 'Black Machine' against Sarawakian Muaythai Hero Trevor Salang. It will be blazing hot! But then again the fightcard for second night will also be so stacked that I can't say which one will be the hottest bout.

We also have 2 Female Pro bouts 1 each night that will pit Tu Sin Yee (66 Unicorn) against Magdelina (Tomoi Labuan) on the 10th and Linn (66 Unicorn) against State athlete Glorya Nate (Sabah Khai Muay) on the 2nd night.

Tell us about your team, 66 Unicorn. What does the name signify? Share with readers the journey of you starting the gym, the development, the challenges, the achievements and the future.
66 Unicorn Muaythai. The number 66 is actually taking the spirit of Sabahan leaders Double 6 tragedy. They fight for Sabahan right until the end of their lives. Hence our motto 66 Never Surrender. 

Unicorn is a mythical creature which is the opposite of the usual creature many of the fight gyms use. This is more to my philosophy of how we should carry ourselves. 

We want to be humble. We don't want to look like a dragon but fight like a pussycat. UNICORNS are deceivingly sweet and cute but once we fight we will fight to the death. 

Maman : the beginning of 66 Unicorn 

with Kru Bernard Radin during Basic Muaythai course and Khan upgrading in 2013

Maman sharing his knowledge in the gym. Maman is head coach ( technique & tactical ) . Dr Sanjay serve as Strenght & Conditioning coach & team doctor. Other Trainers are Najib, Azhar, Watie & Muliadan

I believe in Sandakan only 66 Unicorn is the only active gym/team in Muaythai/ kickboxing...how do you see the development of martial arts in Sandakan in general.

Yes you are not far off. So far 66 Unicorn is the only active team from Sandakan. 

We have been trying to invite more people to open up a gym/training centre in Sandakan and so far there are a few that started to set up training gyms. But they are quite 'shy'. We will organize a meeting in the near future to find out what can we do to help.

Upgrading in progress. 

spanking new upgrade done at their gym located at Bandar Utama Sandakan

In 66 Unicorn, you have a team of juvenile fighters and some newbies, tell us your team's development program? What is your expectations this year for them.

Yes we do have a team of juvenile fighters and newcomers. We have been doing the same thing since the beginning. We emphasize on the strong foundation of Muaythai. We don't do fancy stuff. We do basic, basic and basic. 

We instill the importance of fight IQ to our fighters. And we put fitness as one of the most important thing for our fighters. This year will be a good year and we expect some of our boys and girls to represent Sabah to the nationals and hopefully some will also be selected to represent the country again. 

three generations of champion ( from Left : Shah, Rahmad & Syamie )

Fighters from Sandakan, who is the upcoming one to look out for? 

• Riedzwan Norsyahmie 'Golden Shin' 17yo
• Faiz 'Harimau Kumbang' 14yo
• Rahmad 'Mat Kool' 14yo
These are the upcoming fighters that will be a force to be reckoned with in Sabah Muauthai scene in my humble opinion.

How do you go about promoting EF2? Any assistance from government agency ?

We have full cooperation from Sabah Sports Commisioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah, Sandakan Municipal Council and the Police. Our promotion is going on smoothly. 

Amateur fights in the day time is free entrance .
For the Pro fights to get your tickets please call:

Tea Library: +601116043075
Herman Bin Usman: 0128423785
Frank Setter: 0128014589
Mienn Manyon: 0145503066
Rioo Alexandria: 01110032302
Rams Thokke: 0178383996

Elopura is an old name for Sandakan, I see that u are also using EF2 as a tool to promote Sandakan in sports tourism. What was the response like from participants?

( outside Sandakan ) base on last year's event.

The response was very good. From the feedback we get, most of them can't wait to come back to Sandakan and join our event. They also spread good things about Sandakan hospitality in their hometown. We are glad.

For first timer in Sandakan, what do you recommend them for food? Places of interest and activities?

Sandakan is a food haven. From Seafood to Indonesian food to Western food to our local delicacies, you name it, we have it! But our SEAFOOD is second to none; so don't miss the opportunity to experience it yourselves.

For place of Interest there are many, From Sepilok Orang Utan sanctuary, Crocodile Farm, and beautiful islands like Selingan, Lankayan, Bakungan. If you are lucky you might get to see turtles laying eggs!

Joel and Gloria : The new MMA couple of Sabah

Back in 2015 when I was covering MIMMA3, I met this husband and wife team of Samuel Lai and Rosario Valerian. Samuel reached the Semi-finals stage that year and his wife the quarter-finals. But in the same year, Samuel fought in Jesselton Fight League and was the 1st runner up in lightweight. Rosario fought valiantly to become the Female Champion.

Samuel and Rosario are now taking a break from MMA as both focus on their career and family life. Fast forward to 2017. A new 'fighting' couple emerge from Sabah.

Joel Nickolson and Gloria Isabelle Hoong. Although not married yet, but these two lovebirds are inseperable and has use MMA as a tie to have a closer bond.

Joel first participated in MIMMA in 2016 during season 4. He managed to reached the Semi-finals, losing to eventual Champion Damon Soo. In 2016, he fought in Jesselton Fight League, Borneo Amateur Challenge and Fight Fest.

In MIMMA5, Joel has put his focus on bringing the bantamweight title back to Sabah. He fought 5 times, gaining 21 points. Collecting 3 finishes, 1 decision win and 1 loss.

Ask on his opinion on the MIMMA5 League format, Joel admit it was tiring having to fought almost every month. The fight does not just happen in the cage but also in the strategy and planning as well. That's why knowing that he has enough points to qualify for the semis, he skipped the last two league bouts to conserve energy and to avoid injury.

He is of the opinion that MIMMA can just organise fight events by matching potential fighters rather than having a tournament or league format as the time commitment is rather straining.

Joel will be facing a formidable Dhiaaul Amal today in the MIMMA5 Semi-finals. Dhiaaul is MIMMA4 grand finalist.

This is a rematch. Joel lost to Dhiaaul by decision in his first league match in July last year. He felt that it was the first fight jitters. He managed to have couple of take down, but did not do much damage from top and let Dhiaaul dominate the fight on the feet, gaining points in the third round.

After that lost, his coach, Antonio Battistesa put in a plan for improvement. Both in terms of techniques and mental. Plenty of hours spend at Sabah Top Team drilling techniques and sparring. the results show... by winning 4 match in a rows, with a high light reel finish of Khoo Teck Guan in league 4.

The other semi-finals bouts for Bantamweight is between Sabahan Effendy Kalai and Khoo Teik Guan.

Joel does not feel that his bouts is more challenging. To him, the top 4 in the bantamweight division currently, standard wise are very close.

Coming from a Taekwondo background, he used to like keeping the fight on his feet; but training at with Antonio gave him a lot of exposure in grappling, as Sabah Top Team is the center for Luta Livre in Malaysia. Joel felt he nows favour taking fights to the ground as it's where he can minimise receiving strikes.

Last month, as preparation for the semis he and Gloria was in New Zealand to train with some of the top pro MMA fighters there. It was an experience that gave them tons of learning. They also train with pro fighters from Borneo Tribal Squad and MIMMA4 heavyweight champion Darren Low.

league 4: Joel's brutal KO on Khoo TG

league 1: Joel vs Diaaul

Joel's advise to Gloria;
" Be aggressive. This only takes 9 minutes of your time. So go all out! "

His message to Dhiaaul,
" Good luck, have fun, but this time around...the judge will not be on your side."

league 1: Joel vs Dhiaaul

As for Gloria. This is her first participation in MIMMA.
A Sino-Kadazan from Penampang. Martial arts was not her first sports. Gloria was into rock / sports climbing. In her Uni days in Monash, she was the president of the climbing club and participated in numerous competition.

It was when she's back in Sabah that she took up martial arts. This young lady in her short time training under Antonio in Sabah Top Team has achieved much. STAND 3 K1 - Gold, Sabah Inter-District Muaythai 2016 - Gold, BAC 3 MMA - Gold, BAC4 K1 - Gold, Muay Fight Night 2017 - Gold and most recently Borneo Cup 2017 - Gold. All this won't happened if not for a Groupon voucher she got online. She dragged her friend together to STT for the first class.

It was initially fitness and basic Muaythai for her, but she picked up very fast and began to show good potential. After a few months Antonio signed her up for a kickboxing match in Fight Fest 3. Gloria was reluctant at first as she thinks that she doesn't train enough and was still juggling between her favorite activity of climbing. She lost her first fight. The fear to go back in the ring was there, but to overcome that fear...she deiced to face it head on and decided to joined more fights.

She prefers to keep the fight on the feet but is well prepared to go to the ground from the Luta Livre training Antonio has drilled her with. Gloria puts in hard training daily after her day job in the accounts and finance department of Dekojuta.

In MIMMA5, she fought 4 times. Earning 20 points to qualify for the semi-finals. On MIMMA5's league format, she also thinks that the league fight is too close to each other. Not giving enough time for recovery and improvement on personal skills for athletes. This also pose a big financial challenge for East Malaysian to fly regularly to KL.  

Her fight vs Lee Yin Mun was supposed to happened in league 1, but it did not materialised. But Gloria does notice that her opponent has good explosiveness and always shoot for take down. She said that coach Antonio has really up the level of training for her and Joel in their MIMMA5 journey. She felt in terms of strength and conditioning she also has improve a lot. Things that she couldn't do when she first started MIMMA, now she's able to.

league 4 : Gloria vs Gladys

league 6 : Gloria vs Amirah

She also felt the exposure in MTI and Auckland MMA of New Zealand for her and Joel was definitely a valuable experience that will benefit both of them in their semi-finals bout today.

As half chinese, she usually spends her Chinese New year in her dad's hometown in Ipoh. But this year, as her family went on vacation. She focus on training, even at Chinese New year eve where usually chinese family had their reunion dinner, Gloria was in Sabah Top Team, putting in valuable training time.

Ask on how the Chinese New Year celebration affects her diet. She felt it was not that bad as she usually eats a lot too because of her constant hard training. Chinese New year falling on the weekend was also a blessing as, that's the time she rest anyway. So after the celebration with family, it was back to training for her.

As Joel's partner, Gloria has this advise for him.

" Believe in yourself. Coach has trained you well, it's your own believe in your self now that will catapult you to victory"

 

Joel, Gloria and coach Antonio

Catch Joel and Gloria today at Paradigm Mall for MIMMA5 semi-finals