Filipino hard-hitting featherweight Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly has enjoyed a long list of unforgettable moments on the ONE Championship stage.
The 35-year-old Baguio City native has fearlessly led Team Lakay into battle, excited fans with a plethora of knockout victories which led him to be part of the upper echelon of the featherweight division.
With a fair share of impressive wins in his 16-year stint as a mixed martial artist, Kelly points to his victory over Sung Jong Lee of South Korea.
In front of his countrymen at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, Kelly locked horns with Lee in the main card of ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR this past 12 April.
Kelly stressed that his cage meeting with his South Korean counterpart proves that he is still one of the big names of the stacked 70.3-kilogram weight class.
“I believe that there was a lot at stake in my match against Lee. Coming from a loss, I proved that I am determined to get back to the winning column and keep myself in track for my dreams of being a World Champion,” said Kelly.
“There was a lot of pressure because I wanted to prove that I am hungry for that win.”
Despite the pressure that he felt, Kelly rose to the occasion with a ferocious display of striking and ground game, obliterating his South Korean opponent within two rounds.
Back in the winning lane, Kelly believes that his masterful performance in Manila has increased his confidence to secure more wins until he reaches the top of the featherweight ladder.
“That win certainly pushed my confidence to an all-time high,” said Kelly.
“I want to fulfill my dreams and at the same time, I want to inspire the people here in our place, I want them to see that being a martial artist is also a good option for them.”
But easier said and done, the Filipino featherweight contender is fully aware that the task climbing to the top is not an easy road to take.
“I know that this division is stacked. There are new fighters, they’re strong and technical and they motivate me to even be better,” said Kelly.
“With hard work and determination, everything is possible. I hope to get two to three more big wins and maybe that would be enough for me to get a shot at the World Title.”
