Kaji “Alpha” Ebin stands at the crossroads of his career after re-injuring his shoulder at ONE: Dawn of Valor.
On October 25 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Ebin lost his third-straight bout in ONE Championship after he threw a right punch that missed Eko Roni Saputra and dislocated his shoulder.
The referee called for stoppage due to injury just 19 seconds into round one in the Istora Senayan.
This is the second time Ebin has suffered the same injury. The first was in his debut against Akihiro “Superjap” Fujisawa at ONE: Heroes of Honor in April 2019.
“The game plan was to keep the fight on the feet and make it a striking battle where I know I had an advantage, but unfortunately, my shoulder injury came back. I watched the replay. I know I mistimed the swing – I swung wrong with full power,” Ebin said.
It is certainly frustrating for “Alpha” given the confidence he had to strike with his opponent. And although his mind was ready, his body was not.
“I really prepared hard. I was confident that I can beat Saputra. But no matter how confident you are, if your body is not cooperating then it’s no use.”
If his shoulder heals properly, Ebin plans to move to bantamweight because he thinks he is struggling at flyweight.
“Of course, losing is never a good feeling, but it made me realize a lot of things,” he said.
“This could be my last match in flyweight. If they give a go signal to compete again, it’s in the bantamweight division.”
If it does not, then Ebin is not shutting doors on a change in career this early.
“I’m planning to go back to the gym as soon as I heal and be given clearance to do physical activities,” Ebin said.
“I really hope to fight again, but if not, the business world will always be waiting for me.”
ONE Championship returns to Manila one last time this year with ONE: Masters of Fate on November 8 at the Mall Of Asia Arena.
Get your tickets here and use the code “onewarrior” for a 20-percent discount.
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