Eric Kelly. Photo from ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
MANILA, Philippines—Eric Kelly started out his mixed martial arts career on an unbelievable tear, winning 12 of his first 13 fights.
But since then, veteran Filipino fighter has lost his last five straight, with his last win a unanimous decision victory over Hiroshige Tanaka four years ago.
Looking to breathe life back into his career, Kelly is determined than ever to come out on top Kwon Won Il in their ONE Championship featherweight bout in the undercard of ONE: Roots of Honor on April 12 at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Right now, there is no bigger match for me than Kwon,” he said. “I am in the middle of a bad losing streak, and that’s why this match is of tantamount importance. I will do everything to finally get that elusive win.”
The losing streak, however, isn’t the only thing motivating the 36-year-old Kelly since his younger brother Edward is also part of the card.
Edward (11-6) is looking to bounce back from his defeat to Christian Lee in January against Sung Jong Lee (2-4) in the featherweight division.
“It’s exciting because we’re fighting on the same card,” said Kelly. “Sometimes we train together but not all the time because it’s very rare that I visit him.”
Edward trains with the famed Team Lakay that has produced four World champions in ONE while Kelly prefers to train in different gyms for his matches.
Although Kelly is not part of Lakay, he is proud of what his younger brother had done under the tutelage of Mark Sangiao.
“I am very happy for Edward because he’s with Team Lakay, the strongest stable in the country when it comes to the sport of mixed martial arts,” he said. “Edward will do whatever he can, and he’ll do his best to make sure that he delivers.”