Singapore and Malaysian MMA Continues To Grow

MMA in Singapore and Malaysia On The Rise

Mixed Martial Arts in our little corner of Asia has come a long way in the last few years. Until around four years ago there was nothing but silence. Since then in Singapore and Malaysia we have had tremendous change.

Back in May 2010 Victor Cui then  with ESPN was behind  Martial Combat a ground breaking event in Singapore that certainly helped push some of Asia’s finest fighters into a whole new area of popularity and brought local televised MMA to many homes.

Between May and October of the same year there were 12 Martial Combat events.

Less than a year later Victor Cui launched the ONE FC Empire the present biggest MMA organisation in SE Asia. Its first show was in September 2011.

In Malaysia we had the much smaller but nevertheless widely anticipated local shows with the Muayfit – Malaysian Fighting Championship, F3 and the oldest of them all Ultimate Beatdown at Johor’s Ultimate MMA Academy.

Since then Ultimate Beatdown has broken out of the gym and recently staged its most successful show to date at the KSL City Mall in Johor with representatives from many gyms from both sides of the causeway and even further afield.

F3 continues to limp along, although present feedback is that finally it is getting its shit together and recent shows have had no ‘dodgy’ judging decisions, could F3 finally be about to gain respectability? We hope so it would be good to see it fulfil it’s promise.

MFC I believe still lives but it does seem to have been derailed somewhat by the arrival of MiMMA – Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts the first of Malaysia’s events to attract big sponsorship and gain TV coverage. Thanks to the patronage of Tune Talk. Finally MMA in Malaysia is proving a suitable place for bigger name sponsors.

Of course in Malaysia, ONE FC have also been a fairly regular visitor to Kuala Lumpur with a series of successful shows and a very excitable crowd.

We even had a visit from Chinese based MMA organisation Legend FC this show was recorded for Chinese TV. Sadly the crowd stayed away and although the fights were on the whole exciting the thin crowd was I am sure a terrible disappointment. This was sadly the last show from Legend who closed their doors leaving many disappointed fans behind.

Recently in Borneo another Malaysian MMA event has started up the Borneo Fighting Championship It seems that MMA really is getting a good foothold in Malaysia and Singapore.  Soon we can look forward to the biggest of them all. The UFC are coming and they have picked up a few local faces to give the card some real zing. But before that we have a new boy on the block.

Debutant Singapore organisation Rebel FC daring to square up to ONE FC on its home ground and that home ground just got tougher with ONE FC announcing that they have signed Ben Askrin the ex-Bellator champion who was widely expected to join the UFC and then the WSOF and so it must been seen as a real coup when he went to ONE telling journalists that he will be getting paid more than 80% of UFC fighters.

But back to Rebel: With a Main Event featuring the talented Australian ‘Ruthless’ Rob Lisita (12-5) from Phuket Top Team against Takeshi (Lion Takeshi) Inoue (21-8) the Dream and Shooto veteran from Shooting Gym Yokohama.

A supporting main event bout between North Korean Gyo Pwang Hwang (3-3)  Korean Top Team and Singapore favourite and Juggernaut Fight Club based Syfiq ‘The Slasher’ Abdul Bin Samad (2-0) should get the crowd on their feet.

Bottom line is this though; will the fans turn up and make the event a financial success. That is all that matters for the money men behind these events, coverage and crowds.

ONE FC seems to have settled down and is surely here to stay, nobody can deny that it’s cards are improving in quality however talk of having 95% of the local fighters on their books rankles when the last event featured an immediate rematch championship title fight for a fighter who didn’t even make it to the end of the second round in the first fight.

Oh and I will never ever be happy to hear ONE FC call it’s championship’s World Titles! Come on guys how about Asian Championship or ONE FC championship?

The UFC are thought to want to put on show’s in this area on a regular basis but how many of those shows will be in Singapore or even Malaysia is unknown. I suspect sadly not many as they will surely head to bigger markets. Either way having the UFC around can only benefit those local fighters lucky enough to get picked up by the “big show” who will be able to increase their exposure and their pay packets with better sponsorship opportunities as fighters can surely see an opportunity to maximise their opportunities and brands can get the kind of coverage they could previously only dream of.

So the future for MMA in Malaysia and Singapore is bright. More opportunities for fighters to test themselves in a cage and a visible ladder that they can aim to climb up.

Of course it’s not all sunshine. Recently watching the UFC on Malaysian TV, I was again angered by the pathetic things that get censored. During the night every time a bit of blood was on show the censors turned the picture black and white this well after 10pm when all good children should be in bed.. So I guess B&W makes it just fine it’s not blood if it’s grey, although doesn't that make it look like brain matter?

But overall MMA is this area is enjoying unprecedented growth and long may it continue, all it needs is some decent officials and less low level fighters with inflated opinions of their abilities, a little bit more honesty in the game would be a good thing.

Asian MMA Continues to Grow

Asian MMA Continues To Expand

MMA in Malaysia: At last Borneo has it's own championship with the Borneo Fighting Championship

And finally somebody stands up to the bullies as the REBEL Fighting Championship enters the playground full of swagger and heads straight to the evil empires playground the Singapore Indoor Arena. The aptly named Rebel Fighting Championship promises much.
Let's hope it delivers.

A Member Speaks - Juggernaut Fight Club

Life in Juggernaut Fight Club...

(Note: this was a post I found on Facebook yesterday and I asked permission of Juggernaut to repost it as I think it shows, how much a top quality gym can mean to people. I used to run a Leisure business in the UK with 1200+ members and I know how it feels to get mail like this, beyond the money etc at it's most basic. A good quality gym can change peoples lives in a positive way.

 I have left out the authors name, however you could easily find it on facebook if you wanted to.)

Before I say anything, I would like to say, I have no gains in anyway in writing this, I am a normal guy, who stumbled into a MMA gym, and decided to settle down and make this place a home for myself... All in all, it is a letter of confession and love, not a statement of any sorts from the authorities of Juggernaut Fight Club.

So, you can know that there is no biasness in any statement in here.

Many people come to me and ask me whats the best MMA gym in Singapore, and so here is my 2 cents worth. Again, I am a nobody, so this is my little humble opinion.

There have been many people talking about MMA gyms in Singapore of late, the good, the bad, the ugly, the pretty, who produces best fighters etc etc... I shall not name any of those, but I come from a place where I REALLY enjoy myself, and I grow as a human being. Is not that the whole point? That we push ourselves, that we find to find a passion and fight in life, to learn to not give up, and for those like me, who aren't going to be professional fighters, to learn to keep our physical bodies in good shape and in good health to trudge in this path called life.

I came from another gym locally, and I left because I saw some ugly things that should not have happened, and I stepped into JFC. In JFC, I met the mean looking coach, known as the Juggernaut to many of you. Arvind is a man who does not speak much, but he is a man who looks after his boys.

I remembered in my first encounter with him. Remember, back then, I have even yet known him for a month. I had a nasty back injury, and I went by the gym to tell him I will probably miss training for a week or so, while in the middle of his boxing class, he came up to me and said to, 'Take a month off, make sure it's totally gone. You can train anytime, but your health and body is more important.' This, coming from a guy who would benefit more financially if I had signed up and paid my fees immediately...

JFC is also a place where there are no airs between coaches and students. While the training is extremely grueling, and we have the best coaches in the town, I don't have to spell that out, what really touches the hearts of people is what happens after class.

I am NOT an athletic person, NOT a talented grappler, and I started out on this journey FRIGGIN' LATE in my life, the other day I was texting Arvind, and he casually commented, 'Keep training, want you to compete for us.'

To many of you, it is just a text, to me, it means the whole world. Somebody actually thinks I can compete in grappling! Again, I AM A NOBODY, but a veteran coach in MMA, Boxing would actually put confidence in me? The other coaches sing the same tune, every class I go, there is always 'GOOOOD.... NICK, GOOOOOD JOB... PASS PASS PASS PASS! GOOOOOOD... TAP TAP TAP!!! SUBMIT GOOD JOB NICKK....'

*With Korean Accent.

The boxing coaches likewise, they train JiuJitsu, and I try to tap them because they make me do alot crunches in boxing training... But I am still trying...

My point being? The coaches don't really treat you like clients per say, you are a friend... and you are given faith in yourself. That makes you stand tall and have confidence when you go out to work, a more confident businessman, a more confident brother, a more confident father, whoever you may be.

JFC has alot of safety measures in the gym, you should see how they pad up the wrestling area for grapplers, sometimes I feel like a baby in a cot. But above all, it is a safe haven where people come to train and find a place where coaches take them under their wings, and make them feel like a part of their own.

We sit in coffeeshops and laugh till late at night, and try to get stupid taxis in peak hours. We celebrate birthdays, and we get farted on while grappling. We watch Family Guy TV Series at the reception counter, and we talk about the weirdest things late into the night in FB. This is not a gym, this is a home.

At home, I find friends. For all you fan boys out there, I grapple with Syafiq the Slasher alot. So when he gets famous he will remember me. Beyond his kick ass MMA side, he's one hell of a beast to roll with, but behind that, he is a down to earth, neighbourhood kid, which I could have possibly sat beside in my Secondary School.

JFC is a crazy place to be in, somewhat like a family with a big old daddy and crazy overgrown kids...

But...

Oh, have I mentioned that we recently had a 5-0 win in a MMA contest in Malaysia? And have I mentioned we produce young local talents? Yes, born and bred Singaporeans who beat others so hard, you would be impressed.

So, above the fuzziness and the friendship carebear sharity elephant shit I talked about, the fight team simple beats everyone's ass because we are quality.

So, this is JFC for me in the past 1 year.
A crazy place, where I am safe, where I feel at home, and where I have grown so much technically in my grappling skills.

So, if you're looking for the BEST MMA gym? I can't tell you which, BUT if you're looking for somewhere where you WILL be taken care of, as a FRIEND, not just a client, and a place where people put belief in you, looking for a place where people then welcome to Juggernaut Fight Club, my home in Boat Quay. :)

ONE FC - Kings and Champions

ONE FC Kings and Champions April 5th 2013 - Singapore

Boku vs Aoki - Should be a great fight

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ONE FC War of the Lions – Enomoto Vs Moreira

ONE FC War of the Lions – Enomoto Vs Moreira

Published on March 7, 2012 by The Coffee Boy in ONEFC

ONE FC War of the Lions Main Card Breakdown: Felipe Enomoto vs Zorobabel Moreira

The Coffee Boy Previews One Of The Main Card Fights at War of the Lions:

One FC 3: War of the Lions, happening the 31^st of March has put together a great fight for its main event, pitting Swiss mixed martial artist Felipe Enomoto against Brazilian mixed martial artist and BJJ Nationals champion Zorobabel Moreira.

This fight has all the makings for an all out war as both fighters will be fighting the biggest fight of their MMA career thus far. One FC plans to eventually crown their own champions, and this fight will give us a clearer picture of who are among the elite and close to a title shot in the heavily stacked lightweight division. Lets take a closer look at each fighter, and break down this fight.

Felipe Enomoto (6 – 3 – 1) lives and trains in Zurich, Switzerland, fighting out of Enomoto Dojo run by him and his brother Yasubey Enomoto, also a mixed martial artist and Thai kickboxing champion. Felipe Enomoto stands at 5’ 11”, and is known for his explosive style, dangerous ground and pound, and possesses the guillotine and rear-naked choke submissions equivalent to a knockout punch – once he has you in a choke, its best you tap. He has competed in Germany, England, Russia, and Indonesia, among other countries.

After putting together a respectable record of 5 wins, 1 loss and 1. No Contest, Enomotosuffered two consecutive losses at the hands of Rich Clementi (via armbar) and Gor Hartunian (via unanimous decision). After taking several months off, he signed with One FCand fought last month, breaking his losing streak by submitting Ole Laursen via rear-naked choke after a back and forth battle in Indonesia.

Zorobabel Moreira (5 – 1) was born in Brazil, starting BJJ as a child and after ten years of hard work, he earned his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr. He fought twice in Brazil, finishing both his opponents, before moving to Singapore to join the highly respectable mixed martial arts gym Evolve MMA. Standing 6’ 3” tall, he is a big, strong, and lanky lightweight, proving to be a lot to handle for his opponents. Aside from his high-level grappling, he is known for his explosive striking, utilizing his length and size to his advantage throwing spinning elbows, vicious knees, and brutal combos, displaying this in his last fight against Andy Wang at ONE FC’s inaugural event back in September of 2011.

After going 2 – 0 in Brazil, Moreira moved to Singapore to join Evolve MMA and start his career in Asia. His first fight in Asia was in Singapore under Martial Combat, suffering his first professional loss by way of knockout in 14 seconds. He came back strong at the next two Martial Combat events, defeating Yun Seob Kwak by rear-naked choke and Ferrid Khederby decision. He then signed with One FC and walked right though Ultimate Fighter alumAndy Wang, defeating him by knees to the body and punches.

On paper, it is a very close call in terms of how this fight will play out. While Moreirapossesses the height, size, and reach advantage and has very explosive striking, Felipe Enomoto is not new to the stand up game. He trains with world class strikers, and has seen everything Moreira could possibly throw at him. However, how will he deal with the size advantage against him? A good, current example of this is the UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. His size and reach advantage proved too much for the Muay Thai phenom Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, who was flustered and confused and couldn’t overcomeJones’ unique ability. So right now, on paper at least, it looks to be a clash of experience against natural strengths.

Next we take a look at the ground game. While Enomoto does have killer chokes and seems to be able to put himself in good positions, Moreira is a high-level practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and trains with among the best in Asia. Again, the size advantage possessed by Moreiramay prove to be too much for Enomoto on the ground.

What’s interesting about this fight is the question of who will be the aggressor. Both fighters like to push the pace and try to finish fights dominantly. Both fighters possess unique skills, and these could clash. It has all the makings for a very exciting and unpredictable fight. Expect a thriller, and regardless of the outcome, expect to see both fighters around for awhile.

 The Coffee Boy’s prediction: Zorobabel Moreira is going to come prepared, in all his height, reach, and build, and will be able to effectively strike with Felipe Enomoto. While Moreirahas a suspect chin, we don’t really know if he has a glass jaw. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt, and predict that Moreira defeats Enomoto via TKO in the 2^nd round, in what should be one heck of a fight. 

ONE FC 3 – War of the Lions – Singapore Indoor Stadium

ONE FC 3 – War of the Lions – Singapore Indoor Stadium

Published on March 6, 2012 by The Coffee Boy in ONEFC

Rundown Edition — ONE FC 3: War of the Lions

Well people, today, I (The Editor) get to introduce you to my secret weapon in my own battle to become the biggest MMA website covering the Asia Pacific area it’s our new contributor and he is a much nicer person than me.

Below is his first article for MMAnewsAsia.com – Ladies and Gentlemen, Please rise for The Coffee Boy!

At long last, after weeks (and for some, months) of eager waiting, rumors, and speculation, One Fighting Championship has finally released the full fight card for its 3rd event to be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, 31^st of March. It certainly took them long enough and one may find it odd that the “UFC of Asia”, as some have called it, would take this long to put together the card, but more on that later. So, if you haven’t already found out about the card, here you go:

1) Felipe Onomoto vs Zorobabel Moreira (Main Event)

2) Tatsuya Kawajiri vs (To be announced later this week)

3) Eduard Folayang vs Ole Laursen

4) Yuya Shirai vs Fabricio Monteiro

5) Melvin Manhoef vs Yoshiyuki Nakanishi

6) Jian Kai Chee vs Eddie Ng

7) Mazakazu Imanari vs Kevin Belingon

8) Jeet Toshi vs Nicole Chua

9) Quek Kim Hock vs Juan Wen Jie

10) Jiang Long Yun vs Yodsanan Sityodtong

11) Danny Van Bergen vs Richie Whitson

Personally, I was absolutely stoked when I finally read the list of fights announced.

There are a bunch of recipes for pure action-packed fights.

The main event pits Zorobabel Moreira (5-1-0) against Felipe Onomoto (6-1-1), and one can only imagine the fireworks bound to happen in the cage. Moreira is coming off of a solid win over The Ultimate Fighter alum Andy Wang, winning via TKO (knees to the body and punches), after dominating most of the fight working the flashy Muay Thai-type strikes and solid clinch work. Enomoto is coming off a win over Ole Laursen via rear-naked choke after a back-and-forth battle.

Other exciting fighters to watch out for include Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pride FC and Shooto vet),Eddie Ng (IBJJF White Belt Gold Medalist), Eduard Folayang (URCC Champion), and American prospect fighting out of Team Quest (Chael Sonnen, Dan Henderson, etc) Richie Whitson. Also, this card feature ONE FC’s first women’s MMA bout, pitting Jeet Toshi, a 7-time kickboxing champion against Nicole Chua, an amateur World Muay Thai Games Bronze medalist.

This is the 3^rd ONE FC event is putting together, and quite honestly is probably their most stacked card thus far. They put on a good show back in 2011, where Eduard Folayang fought a hard fight against A Sol Kwon in an exciting match, and last month they had a decent event with a decent crowd showing up. While they haven’t exactly been drawing the numbers they probably had expected (an estimated 6000+ showed up to the first event, filling up only a little over half of the stadiums capacity), they certainly have been in the news weekly, dropping mind-blowing news about its network of promotions and gyms, its new ties to DREAM, and the 10-year deal they struck with ESPN Star Sports.

However, there are still some questions and doubts fans have as of late, one being the sudden disappearance of new signee Renato Sobral (UFC, Strikeforce vet) from this months card. Speculation arose among fans that Sobral had severed ties with the company as news of his next fight arose, happening at Impact MMA against former hockey player Steve Bosse. We here at MMA News Asia are pleased to reveal though, that Sobral is, according to Victor Cuicommenting on a post on his Facebook page, still with the company and that he is supposed to fight at their next event.

Another question many fans have on their minds has to do with this relatively late announcement of the full fight card. While ONE FC had for the last month or so been promoting this event, revealing several fighters who were to make an appearance, they were already telling people to buy tickets expecting them to be pleased with whatever the matchups were! It is a little odd that the “UFC of Asia” would wait this long to reveal the matchups.Victor Cui, again according to a post on his Facebook page, offered what might be a hint at why it took this long to put the fights together:

“Great fight cards are easy to make when fighters are willing to fight. Unfortunately, many fighters prefer to talk and duck. Thank you to all the fighters who made this awesome fight card happen for ONE FC: War of the Lions!”

Whatever the reason may be, at the very least they have finally pulled through and have put together what has the makings for a solid event. Stay tuned to find out whom will be matched up against Tatsuya Kawajiri, and for in-depth looks and predictions of several of the fights happening at the end of this month.