Edward Kelly ecstatic to test mettle vs Mongolian ex-champ

MANILA, Philippines — Faced with a tough task of bringing down a former champion, Edward Kelly said he’s overcome with thrill rather than unease.

“Parang excited ako,” the Team Lakay ward said “Excited ako na i-test ‘yung skill ko against sa kanya na isa sa mga parang iniidolo ko.”

Kelly will be facing off with Narantungalag Jadambaa in the undercard of ONE Championship’s Pinnacle of Power” at the Studio City even center in Macau, China, this Saturday.

The 34-year-old Filipino fighter added that he reveres his Mongolian counterpart for his accuracy and striking power inside the fight cage. Fortunately, he’s going into the tussle equipped with backgrounders.

“Lahat kaming teammates (sa Team Lakay), nagbibigayan, nagtutulangan kung papaano ang moves namin sa kalaban namin,” Kelly shared. “At parang laking tulong din na nakalaban na ni Honorio (Banario) si Jadaamba kasi kahit papaano, alam niya (first-hand), nagbibigay siya sa akin ng tips papaano mag-counter.”

Aside from Banario, Kelly’s older brother Eric, has also faced the stocky Mongolian. Both fights ended in a loss, but contrasting results.

But that inspires not vengeance, but a window to grow, according to the younger Kelly.

“‘Di ko tinitignan na revenge (fight ito), instead tinitignan ko ’to as a challenge sa'kin. Kasi si Jedamba is a former world champion and veteran na sa [mixed martial arts circuit],” he explained. “’Di siya basta-basta kalaban. Well-known fighter din siya.”

Jadambaa’s last six outings were fought in a ONE cage. The other 11 were around Asia where he furthered his status as one of the top fighters in the lightweight class. 

And while for Kelly puts him in a better position to contend for the Lightweight belt which is currently held by Martin Nguyen, also a foe he has already fought, the Team Lakay ward noted that he’d still stable skipper Eduard Folayang get back at his tormentor.

“Sa tingin ko once matalo ko si Jadambaa, I think deserve naman na ko na magkaroon ng title shot. And gusto ko rin naman maka-rematch din si Martin,” he explained.

“But ‘yung champion muna,” he said, referring to the former division champion.