Edward Kelly got into mixed martial arts because of his older brother Eric.
Even before the two natives of Baguio City turned pro back in 2009, Eric had been tearing up the underground scene in the Philippines.
“Siya yung dahilan kaya nandito kami,” shared Edward, as his brother has been his role model and inspiration.
“Nung una ko siyang napanood, dun ako nagka-interes na lumaban.”
Edward eventually joined famed camp Team Lakay, while Eric continued his mixed martial arts journey without a camp.
But even with this predicament, the two brothers were inseparable.
However, with Eric still in the midst of a five-bout losing streak, he needed a change of scenery. The now-36-year-old athlete then moved to Dubai.
“Inayos ko yung sarili ko. Nawalan ako ng focus nung nandito ako sa Pilipinas, kaya natalo ako five straight times,” shared Eric.
For years, Edward had been pushing to his brother Eric to join him in Team Lakay. So it still stings for Edward to be away from his brother.
“Siya kasi, lumayo siya, pumunta siya sa Dubai,” said Edward, who turned emotional during the post-conference scrum for ONE: Roots of Honor, Tuesday in City of Dreams.
“Nakikita ko kasi yung family niya, kailangan niya ipakita na as a father na kaya niyang buhayin sila. Kung nandito pa siya, hindi nawawala yung pag-iisip niya sa family niya. Wala siya magawa nun,” Edward, who is just one year younger than Eric, continued.
“Na-mimiss ko siya.”
The two will be back in each other’s arms soon, however, as they are set to compete in Roots of Honor.
Eric (12-6) faces Kwon Won Il (6-1) in a bout that will ultimately decide where he is in his illustrious career. On the other hand, Edward (11-6) will take on Lee Sung Jong (4-4).
And both brothers relish the chance to be part of the same card.
“Special ito sa amin. Kung manalo kaming pareho, magandang celebration ito,” declared Eric.
