STORIES BEHIND THE RING

The other day, I saw a dude cry and I deduced that he cried because he couldn't make it through to the FINALS with his brother. I was really touched by this and I just don't know why. Maybe I've always admire people who respects brotherhood and friendship. It has inspired me to write today's post.

The Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA) Semi-finals took place today at Paradigm Mall. 28 fighters gave their best in the arena, with the support of the excited crowd. You'd think that such a new sport wouldn't garner much interest, but really, the public were really excited and are all eager to enter the area to watch the fights! They also kept asking us what the whole thing is about and I had fun telling them about what MMA is and what they can expect.

There was one British man who stayed from 2pm all the way till the end of the show. He was just passing by and ended up in there for hours. 

At the beginning of the day, much focus was on taking care of the media, getting what they want for them and ensuring that they get their interview with the Minister. Because I was deprived off a good night sleep the night before, today I struggled a bit with coordination haha, but all was OK in the end I guess. The media were really happy and thanked me via sms-es. So although I got a few hits here and there, I am glad I pleased at least some people. Some days, it gets tough.

Then there are the fights. The reason I love the fights are usually because I know or heard of that particular fighter. If you know their story, and their background, you sort of want to watch them more. It's kinda like how it is with musicians - you love their songs, but more often than not, it is because their songs reflect who they are, and you like them for that. Like when Taylor Swift was the girl-next-door back then, her songs are nicer and we liked her better, but now she has turned into this popular girl who, oh well, let's not get there.

So yes, the fights! The main highlight of the whole event. 

Hate him or love him, Bryan Lim stole the show - some say in a good way, others beg to differ. Apparently, there was a snake (what snake? I didn't see it though) that he brought in for his entrance.

He was greeted by boos the moment he entered the cage. If I were him, I'd have lost all the confidence right there, at that moment. But he did persevere all through Round 3. I knew his ego would have help him last till end of Round 1. But by Round 2, I really want to ask him to give up already because it is actually cringing to see him get beaten up. Many say that it was a good fight, but there were comments that Bryan fought like an "idiot". Bryan managed to put on cheeky faces in between his fights to amuse the crowd, but I think most were really turned off by that. 

If you were there that day, you'll feel the excitement as the whole mall was cheering for their favourite. It was pretty bloody for Bryan. Oh well, at the end, Bryan still lost to Muhd. Aiman and the audience are pleased. At least Bryan is still pleased with his own performance. That's the most important.

I was also very impressed with a few other talents - Chew Chee Han did some really good ground work. It could be my own opinion, but I think he has a lot of potential, maybe can even go pro.

Keanu Subba, brother of Gianni Subba, needless to say, won within Round 1. I had no doubts that he will win - very likely going to bag the title for the MIMMA Featherweight division. Someone suggested to put both brothers in the Ring and see who wins... that'll be interesting but really, I'd rather not have them fight each other.

Adrian Tham was also excellent, throwing a lot of hard punches and ending it with an armbar. I felt he won easy because he is just too strong.

Allen Chong's fight was a bit of let down - perhaps it was a good technical fight, but to the audience, things got a bit boring as there were not much action.

14 contestants made it to the finals where 7 will be crowned MIMMA FC champions for their own respective categories. They will be training at Phuket's Tiger Muaythai Gym under two groups - Red and Blue. As I am writing this, they are there training their a**-es off!

We also crowned two MIMMA ring girls that day - Merveen Tan and Lisha Ho. They are both my top choices, so no surprises there. I knew they were likely to win.

Also in the house to judge the Ring Girl contest were ONE FC Christine Hallauer (who flew in all the way from Australia) and Felixia Yeap! They both looked smashing hot that day.

The next day, I hung out with Christine at the Times Square Indoor Themepark. It was my first time (can you believe it) and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the Rollercoaster rides and am very happy with the bruises I got hahaha!

Before I leave, the stresses that come with this job, perhaps is all worth it. I am so glad I meet so many interesting people, and I get to know their stories and be inspired. Whatever it is, just want to continue being able to meet more such people and continue to do my best.

Oh how can I forget this, if you missed all the action in Paradigm Mall, no worries because now you can watch it on Starsports on Astro Channel 813 every Wednesday at 11pm! The first episode was awesome, and I love how they gave an intro to everything about Mixed Martial Arts. It really helps those who are just getting into the sport! If you don't have Astro, no problem. Remember to catch it on Maxman TV ya. It will be online one week after Astro. So there is no way to miss it!

Cheers to better days!