Eric Kelly no longer on ONE FC’s April card in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Homegrown talent Eric Kelly will not be strutting his wares at ONE Championship’s “Global Rivals” event on Friday, April 15, after Asia’s largest mixed martial arts promotion failed to secure a short-notice foe. 

Kelly’s original opponent Timofey Nastyukhin withdrew from his 3-round featherweight bout against the Filipino fighter as he could not comply with the organization’s new weigh-in policy and did not meet the permissible weight limit at the pre-fight check.

ONE Championship allows its featherweight fighters to weigh from 144.98 to 154.66 pounds, but Nastyukhin weighed 160.6 pounds.

According to a reliable source, Nastyukhin tried to save his spot on the fight card by suggesting that Kelly face him in a catchweight bout, but the latter turned down the proposal.

ONE Championship officials were tasked to search for a replacement with less than a week before their 8th venture on Philippine shores, but no fighter in the active roster heeded the call. 

The 33-year-old Baguio City native announced on Monday night, April 11, that he was scratched off from the event, which is set to be held at the 20,000-capacity Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

“Sorry, I cannot fight this time. But I’m hoping that I can display my skills next time. Thank you very much. I hope for continuous support,” Kelly wrote on his personal Facebook page.

Interestingly, Nastyukhin was given a second chance by the company as he is booked for the “King of Champions” event in Bangkok, Thailand on May 27 against Rob Lisita. 

In an interview with Rappler, Kelly said he remains optimistic regarding his situation and looks forward to being part of one of the promotion’s future fight cards.

“That’s the sad part of it, but I have to move on and think positive,” he said. “I am willing to fight anytime and anywhere as long as it will abide by the rules of this organization.” – Rappler.com