Former ONE Featherweight World Title contender Eric “The Natural” Kelly might not be actively competing in The Home Of Martial Arts anymore, but he is hoping to get another shot at the organization.
Last month, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong unveiled plans for The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition, in which aspiring executives compete for a $250,000 contract and a chance to work under his guidance.
This is where Kelly comes in.
In an Instagram post, Kelly said that he is capable of being an apprentice given his background in business.
“I’ve been through ups and downs in my life, I’ve gone through different jobs from nothing and made my way into something,” Kelly said.
“When I managed my business, God knows I made it a success, but I stopped for the love of martial arts. I’m proud to say that at least I made some accomplishments.”
Kelly was once one of the brightest stars in the featherweight division and he even competed for the inaugural ONE Featherweight World Title against Honorio “The Rock” Banario.
“When you gave the ONE bonus to me and messaged me after, if I only listened to you, maybe I would’ve been more successful today,” Kelly said in a video addressed to Sityodtong. “But I believe this is a part of it, to experience failures for me to become a better person.
“I am matured enough now to face the next step of my life. If given the chance to become a contestant of ONE Apprentice, even if it might be impossible, I will do my very best to become your apprentice.”
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Read More From ONE Championship:
Edward And Eric Kelly Are Bound By Blood And Martial Arts
Chatri Unveils “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition”
ONE Championship To Launch A Unique Format Of ‘The Apprentice’ In Asia
