One Pride MMA's Biggest International Fight So Far

In what is a surprising turn in the combat sports world, the local Indonesian MMA giant One Pride MMA is collaborating with one of Asia’s renowned micro promoters in China, WLF MMA, to create a cross-promotion event showcasing the promotions' best talents. This is also the first time that One Pride MMA is holding an event in the Bali area, which is known for its high interest in combat sports due to many international visitors and international gyms.

The event will be live on Saturday, June 8, at 19:00 WIB at the Bali Art Center, Denpasar, and will stream live on One Pride’s official YouTube channel. Nine athletes from One Pride and WLF will participate in different divisions, including welterweight champion Windri Patilima, bantamweight contender Mario Satya Wirawan, lightweight champion Ronald Siahaan, and former flyweight champion Rama Suphandi, who will face off against Wuzi Azibek Jiahefu, Zhang Qinghe, Yide Rigun, and Zou Jinbo. Our local warriors will fight on the 7th of June in the same spot, featuring Billy Pasulatan returning to compete.

Not many know the behind-the-scenes drama or stories behind the fights or even how they managed to collaborate for an international fight, but the only story worth noting leading up to the fight is that One Pride flyweight champion and MMA veteran Suwardi was supposed to compete against Jinbo. Unfortunately, an incident in one of the training camp sessions led to a metacarpal fracture, forcing him to back out of the fight. These accidents happen, especially when preparing to compete at this level.

What is positive and hopeful in this collaboration is that Indonesia is getting recognition for having many mixed martial artists who can compete on the world stage. After years of just struggling in the local market, we are finally seeing our athletes raise their levels by competing with fighters from around the world. The Jeka Saragih effect is in full force now.

Jeka can be considered the first gateway for Indonesian athletes to be taken seriously. As a nation, we are known for our determination and striking skills, as many of our athletes have flourished in the world of Wushu Sanda or Chinese kickboxing, and our power output in most MMA bouts. But the question is, can they perform at a higher level like all international athletes?

The problem with our athletes in the nation is that the resources, both in facilities and human availability for performance, are quite low. So, most of our athletes have a hard time maintaining their performance and fight intelligence in the ring when facing international talent who have more tools in a big shed. With the development of more centers for athletes in Bali, such as SOMA Fight Club and Bali MMA, among others, the hope is that our athletes can hone more skills to finally achieve victory with a powerful body, mind, and spirit, just like what the U.S. or any other country has done so well in the world of mixed martial arts.

Let’s see where the road takes us on Saturday.