MANILA, Philippines – Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly looks to score a more decisive victory when he takes on Singaporean star Christian “The Warrior” Lee in a rematch at ONE: ETERNAL GLORY at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday, 19 January.
The pair faced each other in a featherweight match-up last September in ONE: BEYOND THE HORIZON in Shanghai, China, but that contest ended just a little over two minutes into the match after Lee’s suplex was deemed illegal by the referee. He was disqualified, which gave Kelly the win.
This time, the Filipino is looking for a clear win without any controversy. He is confident the little time they spent together in the ring gave him a better idea on how he can overcome the 20-year-old Singaporean prodigy.
“I learned that I should never give my back to him and that he will come to attack every second,” the 34-year-old says.
“I think this fight could go to the judges if I am unable to catch him with a big shot. I feel he is well prepared for my style. We both do not want to lose to each other.”
Kelly acknowledges the strengths of the Evolve MMA standout, but he believes that experience can be used to his favor when the pair meet again in The Home Of Martial Arts.
“The Ferocious” hopes to use Lee’s aggressiveness against him as he looks to be more patient and tactical in his approach against the six-time Pankration World Champion.
“His relentlessness is his strength, but can also be his weakness. I need to pick my shots, maximize my striking, and be careful with his takedowns,” he says.
But make no mistake about it — the Team Lakay veteran does not intend to be ultra conservative in his approach. If he has the opportunity to finish Lee, then he will.
“Should the opening present itself,” he says, “I am definitely going for a knockout.”