After an unsuccessful start in ONE Championship, Kaji “Alpha” Ebin vows to make the most out of every chance he gets.
Ebin will target the elusive win when he takes on Eko Roni Saputra in the latter’s backyard at ONE: Dawn of Valor at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Friday, October 25.
The 27-year-old has had a rough start, dropping his first two bouts in The Home Of Martial Arts.
He lost in his debut to Akihiro “Superjap” Fujisawa after he injured his shoulder in the first round at ONE: Heroes of Honor. Then he was soundly submitted by Rudy “The Golden Boy” Agustian at ONE: Pursuit of Greatness.
Now, though, he is confident that he has left his struggles behind.
“I’m really excited to get back in the Circle, and at the same time there are nerves. I’m happy for another opportunity to show my skills, and to show that I am training really hard to get better,” Ebin said.
“This is my first match this year, and I want to showcase everything that I worked hard for and sacrificed for throughout the years.”
The Filipino knows things will not get easier moving forward, though. He will face a physical specimen in Saputra, who is also looking for his first victory in the organization.
Saputra is known for his wrestling skills, having won medals in the Southeast Asian games before transitioning to mixed martial arts. Now he is with Evolve MMA and looks more dangerous than ever.
“Eko Roni Saputra is a big man. On top of his wrestling game, he also has good striking, and at the same time he’s very agile. That’s why I’m really working hard for this, because I know this won’t be easy,” Ebin said.
“But for me, I’m the faster athlete, especially in striking. We have an excellent game plan this Friday. And if my plan succeeds, I believe that I can knock him out in the first or second round.”
With a chance to finally leave his struggles behind, “Alpha” promises to repay the trust of the people who have always been with him, win or lose.
“I’ll give everything because this is for all the people who believe in me, particularly my family and my UGB MMA family. I want to show that I deserve my spot here in ONE and that I improve every time,” he said.
“I want to end the year strong and I have no plans to lose again. I will do everything to get that win in Jakarta.”
Catch ONE Championship’s ONE: Dawn of Valor this Friday, October 25 at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The main card will air live on ABS-CBN S+A at 9:30pm.
The Home Of Martial Arts then returns to the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines for ONE: Masters of Fate on November 8.
Get your tickets here and use the code ‘onewarrior’ for a 20-percent discount.
Watch both shows for free by downloading the ONE Super App.
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