Kelly brothers look to bounce back in ONE Manila card

Eric Kelly. Photo from ONE Championship

Brothers Eric and Edward Kelly may have almost two decades of experience between them in the Philippine and Asian mixed martial arts scene, but the two have yet to feature on the same card.

That ends on Jan. 26 as the brothers are both set to feature in the ONE Championship: Global Superheroes card at Mall of Asia Arena.

Eric (12-4-0), the older of the two brothers, will take on Brazil’s Rafael Nunes (10-1) as he look to snap his three-fight losing streak that stretches back to 2016.

“I am so excited because finally, it’s going to happen,” said Edward. “It marks the first time that I will compete alongside my older brother, surely it’s going to be a memorable night for the both of us.”

Edward (9-4), who is two years the junior of the 35-year-old Eric, will take on undefeated Meaus Meu (5-0) from Cambodia.

Edward Kelly. Photo from ONE Championship

And both Eric and Edward are confident they will walk out of MOA Arena with the winner’s medal.

“We have the same aim of winning, so making it two for two on this card will make this extra special,” said Edward.

“It’s very important for me to win in this coming bout against Rafael Nunes,” said Eric. “I want to show those who believe in me that I can make it not just for myself, but for all. I want this victory so bad.”

Eric, who lost his last fight against Kotetsu Boku in August, said he wants to go back to the top of the featherweight division and a victory against Nunes might very well do that.

“Everyone is beatable, I always put that in my mind,” said Eric. “I have to redeem myself in front of my countrymen, I might be 35-years-old but I am not giving up. I am here to stay.”