MMA: Jimmy Yabo avoids being complacent against young opponent

SINGAPORE – Filipino journeyman Jimmy Yabo has 7 professional bouts in his 7-year prizefighting career, but being complacent is one trait that he wants to avoid as he faces an up-and-coming talent from Singapore.

The 35-year-old native from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu is booked to compete on the undercard of ONE Championship’s “Ascent to Power” event on Friday, May 6 against Benedict Ang, a 20-year-old Singaporean who made a lasting impression since turning pro in 2015.

Ang easily routed Pakistan’s Waqar Umar in his May 2015 professional debut and then effortlessly handled 12-fight veteran Yohan Mulia Legowo by battering the Indonesian stalwart in the second round to compel his corner to throw in the towel 6 months later.

Despite his experience over Ang, Yabo refuses to sit down and relax as he recognizes the tough task ahead of him.

“I shouldn’t be overconfident in this fight. He may be a young fighter, but he presents a stiff test. I have to be careful,” he told Rappler

As he enters enemy territory to lock horns with Ang, Yabo contemplates the need of a decisive triumph versus a hometown favorite.

“It’s his hometown, so as much as possible, I have to be the clear winner. I am prepared for this fight, but I need to execute my game plan suitably on fight night to go home with the win,” he said.

Yabo, a product of Universal Reality Combat Championship’s Cebu chapter, picked up his first win under the ONE Championship umbrella last February by knocking out Bashir Ahmad in just 21 seconds.

A victory over Ang could build Yabo’s first winning streak inside the ONE Championship cage after tasting two-straight painful setbacks to compatriot Edward Kelly and Singapore’s Amir Khan in 2015.

Yabo believes that getting his hand raised against Ang will open a door of opportunity, but he does not want to look past his gutsy opponent.

“One punch or one takedown can change a fight. I don’t want to be complacent. I will just do my best against Benedict Ang,” he articulated. – Rappler.com