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Elipitua “The Magician” Siregar is a person on two missions.
When he returns to the Circle subsequent Friday, 14 January, the Indonesian blended martial artist can be trying to make a press release in ONE Championship’s strawweight ranks.
He’ll sq. off towards Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan within the opening bout of ONE: HEAVY HITTERS on the Singapore Indoor Stadium, understanding {that a} victory may pave the way in which for both warrior to climb the divisional ladder.
However for the Bali-based fighter, a triumph would maintain even better significance, as this matchup affords the possibility to defend his nation’s satisfaction towards its longtime kryptonite.
The 31-year-old Catalan has already defeated two of Indonesia’s high skills – Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis and Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian – and the Filipino veteran hopes to finish the hat trick towards one other rising star from his neighboring nation.
Nevertheless, Siregar is set to finish the unfavorable streak with a decisive outcome.
“I should dominate and get a transparent win to indicate that each of my seniors misplaced not as a result of they weren’t skillful, however due to different issues, in all probability,” he says.
“Hopefully, Stefer, my senior [at Bali MMA], will present me some clues or a greater recreation plan to face Catalan, so I can win. I actually anticipate to associate with Stefer, particularly as we’ve been coaching collectively, and I hope this partnership can be easy and I can win towards Robin.
“[I want to win] as quickly as doable, within the first spherical.”
If his monitor report is any indication, Siregar has what it takes to earn a victory over Catan.
The 25-year-old owns a 4-1 report in ONE, which incorporates three submission victories and a TKO end – his newest being a powerful rear-naked choke of Egi Rozten at ONE: DAWN OF VALOR in Jakarta.
His ground-fighting ability, coupled with new tips from Rahardian and his coaches, may show essential within the upcoming mission. Furthermore, he’s been sharpening his putting repertoire and believes he can outbox the Filipino Wushu Champion.
“I’ve a sparring associate who’s in a heavier division, so I can chase and enhance my efficiency much more,” Siregar says.
“Whether it is stated that Robin’s Muay Thai expertise are good, we’ve higher ones at Bali MMA. I normally spar with [ONE bantamweight] Muhammad Aiman for now, [as well as local fighters such as] Lamhot Buha and Prawira, all in a division above mine. Additionally they have good Muay Thai expertise.
“Sparring with Aiman is troublesome as a consequence of his tall posture size. But it surely’s precisely what I have to make me accustomed to long-range strikers.”
“The Magician” is absolutely targeted on the conflict with Catalan, however he additionally hopes to succeed in new heights for his nation on the worldwide stage.
Beating a veteran who’s already vanquished his gifted compatriots would go a great distance towards that objective – and doubtlessly supply the possibility to face a top-ranked strawweight in 2022.
“My dream is to turn into a World Title contender in ONE Championship, as a result of Indonesia has but to have any title contender or a World Championship,” Siregar says. “That’s my dream.”
All of it begins in ONE’s first bout of the 12 months, the place the younger upstart can have an opportunity for revenge towards “The Ilonggo.” For now, he’s merely providing some closing phrases of warning to his opponent.
“I do know you will have good takedown protection as a result of you might be coming from wushu,” Siregar provides. “However I’ll undoubtedly search a submission.”
Learn extra: Catalan Believes Expertise Will Be Key In Showdown With Siregar
