MEETING THE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS WARRIORS

The past few weeks was amazing as I got to hang out with some of the ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) fighters - Eric "The Natural" Kelly, Peter Davis, Melvin "Overkill" Yeoh and AJ "Pyro" Lias.

Media tours are always fun but super tiring. Nonetheless, I'd say that all were worth while as you get to know more about these personalities and their passion for mixed martial arts (MMA). When with fighters, you'll always hear them talk about fights and strategies, and it is all so interesting listening to their insights on what it is like executing the moves in the cage. Besides these serious talks, it is also really entertaining listening to them talk about their kids and family too.

So, the drill is we bring these fighters for various media interviews and photoshoots around town to promote their upcoming fights. I was so tired at the end of the day I don't even have the energy to carry a witty conversation and therefore, I really have a new found admiration for these fighters who were still able to pose for camera and answer interview questions. There are not just great cage athletes, they are great marketers too. I feel like a "nothing" compared to them now. Boiled down to a rotten potato ... that's what I am. (only kidding, life is not that pathetic for me yet).

So who did I meet?
I had the privilege of meeting MMA fighters from around the globe and I was intrigued watching them train as they try to take each other down using various techniques. I haven't seen that much action live, so I must say, it was pretty cool.

Loren, the PR director from ONE FC

He is a fun character, always talking at animated turbo speed and is very excited about the media and interviews. Besides his overly 'kancheong-ness', he is a great dude to work with as he keeps you motivated and pumped up almost every friggin' minute of your life.

Eric Kelly the Natural

When asked why he is called the Natural, he said it is because he feels that he is born to be an MMA fighter. He is a natural in the cage. Besides, he does not take steroids or artificial supplements so he is authentic and au naturel. 

My first impression of him is that he is a shy and quiet dude, who doesn't smile or talk much. But after getting to know him, I was surprised that he is quite the joker. He attempted a lame joke on the second morning of our media tour and made me laugh. It was an early morning and he made my day.

But his best lame joke?

Question: What do you do when you are confronted with a thief?

Eric: I'll ask him if he has money. If he has, I'll ask him to pay me to fight. If he doesn't, I'll run away.

I like this dude as I find him super cool. He was abused as a child and the most impressive thing was that he saw it as a blessing because the experience has turned him into a good and strong fighter. It is amazing how he can see something so negative with such optimism. In fact, he has forgiven his father who has beaten him up when he was a boy.

Peter Davis, the unorthodox striker

He is the actor-model with the striking good looks, but that's not how he got his name. His best quality that I believed earned him the title "unorthodox striker" would be his long arms, which is clearly an advantage for him when it comes to striking and defense.

After getting to know Peter Davis, I find him a quite humble guy who could be quite blur at times haha. He is not like those actor/models who like to act all glamourous - in fact you'll be surprised that he is just contented with a simple life, and just very easy going. I admitted to him that there are times when I just nod in acknowledgement but the truth was that I couldn't catch what he was saying because of his British accent.

Although I was super intimidated by his "superstar" presence, I am so glad that I was given a chance to work with this British lad. What I admire most about him is that, no matter how tired or frustrated he is, he is always able to smile and talk to those around him.

p/s: I've also learned that Peter Davis (a car fanatic) is CRAZY on the road! Try tailgating him and you'll get what I mean.

Melvin Yeoh, The Overkill

Super down-to-Earth teacher from Johor who helped troubled students, to the lengths of setting up hostels for them. Really, you'd think you only see this on television or in movies but we have here in Malaysia, a real life hero.

He is the only fighter I know who is not cutting weight; hence, he really eats everything and even told me not to worry (when I have to think about where to bring him for food) - he will eat everything. True to his words, he gobbled up a plate of fried rice right in front of me. I like how he put it in the press conference: "In real life, when we are faced with an opponent, more often than not, our opponents are bigger (in) size than us. Hence, I will fight those bigger than me too."

I was stranded with Melvin in the car when we passed the first Bersih rally before we took a different route. I've never felt so safe - yes, with a fighter next to you, you really feel so protected.

AJ "Pyro" Lias Mansor

His muscles turned the DJ on, literally. We were at Red FM and one of the guest DJs, Jeslina Hashim couldn't control herself and it was so obvious that she was attracted to him. I personally found her antics hilarious (she called herself the 'after party' *smacks head*).

For someone who looks as daunting as AJ, it is surprising to learn that AJ is a real sweetheart. He feels bad for being tired (because he is cutting weight). I felt really bad that he has to do a whole day with us and then his lunch was served late. The restaurant (Ben's @ Publika) was a huge disappointment. I can't believe they starved a fighter who is cutting weight.

What I also found out about AJ is that he has a really loving and caring wife, Emily Barner, who cares for his every need and knows him so well. The whole time, I was just seeking advice from her on how to make AJ feel better when he is tired. In conclusion, when it comes to food, I find AJ super disciplined as he really managed to control his food intake despite various seduction and temptations.

When you speak to AJ, you'll learn that he is a humble person, with a lot of heart. I can understand why he is one of the esteemed MMA practitioners, because they is just something 'fatherly' about AJ that makes you really respect him. AJ is also the only one with Silat background, who is involved in MMA and I loved how he explained MMA - that he uses the various techniques from Muaythai and BJJ in the cage but the warrior spirit in him comes from Silat.

The many new media friends

Many think that being a PR person, I will naturally need to be nice to media. I only do to nice media. I don't give a damn if that person is awful to me, media or not. But I am so glad that all the media personnel that covered our events are so awesome and helpful, to a point that I am so grateful but don't know what to do to thank them. So to all of you who have diligently covered and supported ONE FC, thank you so much and so sorry if I have bugged you too much!

What have I learned?

These rough men could be the most gentlemanly men I know. Do not judge books by the cover.

A few things about MMA - like fighters' tactics: grappling, striking and why they always grapple and of course, how hard grappling actually is (not just men hugging each other). Grappling is NOT GAY they say.

At the end of this project, I remembered why I love my job - because of the different people I get to meet, each with their own stories and the lessons I learn from each of them.

About the fight on February 2

No kidding! It's only 5 days away. Cold sweating and all stressed out about the media turn out. But seriously, I know deep down it is going to be awesome. What I am saying is, don't miss it!

I'm actually quite into it now after the media tours and listening to the fighters talk - perhaps not fanatic about it, but I do watch some clips here and there.

For a feel of the event, you can watch the following clip. They say they are bringing to the cage some world-class Vegas style actions, so my expectations are quite high.