KELANTAN’S Mohamad Fakri “Ant Man” Bin Yusoff (pix) is fired up for his ONE Championship debut against Michael “The Beast From The East” Pham at ONE: IMMORTAL TRIUMPH.
The Johor Bahru-based native knows that this is his best opportunity to prove his skills, and is looking to impress the millions watching worldwide at the Phu Tho Indoor Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Friday, 6 September.
“This is my chance to prove my talent, and I cannot put it to waste,” the Muay Thai 98 Fitness representative declared.
“We don’t get a chance like this every day, and I know I’ve got to impress everyone watching, including my fans from Malaysia.”
It still feels like a surreal moment for the young Muay Thai star who has been competing in the local circuit since 2014.
Throughout that time, Fakri formed a close friendship with fellow ONE Super Series talent Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud – someone who he looks up to for his skills and willingness to help him turn into a better athlete.
“Training camp has been great. I’ve only had about five proper weeks of intensive training camp, but it isn’t much of a difference because even during the off-season, I train almost every day,” the 24-year-old shared.
“For the past two weeks, ‘Jordan Boy’ has helped me prepare for my contest alongside my coaches and brothers, and I want to thank them all for the endless support.
“I train with a different appetite, and I know I will get my well-deserved rest after the fight in Vietnam.”
To Fakri the formula to success is pretty straightforward – train hard and listen to your cornermen.
But he is aware of Pham’s biggest assets and is ready to unleash some new moves he had picked up throughout this training camp.
“I’m a southpaw, and he’s an orthodox striker, so we’ll be both open to strikes. I believe it will be an exciting battle,” he added.
“But if there’s a message I’d like to send out to him is to watch out for my powerful knees in the clinch. During my days competing in Malaysia, my knees have always been my biggest weapon.”
His confidence seems sky-high, and there’s no denying that “Ant Man” is ready to bite his way to a win in his opponent’s den.
Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action live on Friday, 6 September.
