ONE: As shoulder injury sidetracks rise, Kaji Ebin mulls early retirement

Filipino fighter Kaji Ebin. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

MANILA, Philippines—After seeing his night come to an abrupt end for the second straight time, Kaji Ebin is considering early retirement as one of his possible next moves.

The Filipino flyweight suffered a dislocated shoulder just 19 seconds into his match against Indonesia’s Eko Roni Saputra in ONE: Dawn of Valor at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia last Friday.

In his previous fight six months ago, Ebin also injured his shoulder against Akihiro Fujisawa in ONE: Heroes of Honor.

“I’m planning to go back to the gym as soon as I heal and be given clearance to do physical activities,” Ebin said. “I really hope to fight again, but if not, the business world will always be waiting for me.”

And if he does fully recover and get the green light to fight again, Ebin will certainly be back just not in the same division.

The 27-year-old Ebin feels it would be best for him to move up in weight.

“Of course, losing is never a good feeling, but it made me realize a lot of things,” he said. “This could be my last match at flyweight. If they give a go signal to compete again, it’s in the bantamweight division.”

Ebin, though, couldn’t help but think about what could’ve been had he been healthy during his last two bouts.

“I really prepared hard. I was confident that I can beat Saputra. But no matter how confident you are, if your body is not cooperating then it’s no use,” he said.

“The game plan was to keep the fight on the feet and make it a striking battle, where I know I had an advantage. But unfortunately, my shoulder injury came back. I watched the replay, I know I mistimed the swing – I swung wrong with full power.”