Eric Kelly proud of brother Edward’s success in ONE Championship

MANILA, Philippines – As Edward Kelly marvelously came out on top of his two 2016 assignments in ONE Championship, renowned Filipino fighter Eric Kelly can’t help but feel impressed with his younger brother’s winning streak in the Singapore-based mixed martial arts organization. 

Edward scored two huge victories inside the ONE Championship cage, starting his 2016 campaign by pulling off a come-from-behind submission win over previously-unbeaten Australian stalwart Jordan Lucas last March before achieving a second-round knockout of Dutch journeyman Vincent Latoel in August.

Eric, who is only two years older than Edward, stressed that he is proud of his brother’s recent accomplishments as a prizefighter, citing the latter’s ability to overcome adversity and his determination to develop as a competitor in the constantly-evolving sport of MMA. 

Prior to his first victory parade in ONE Championship, Edward had a jagged beginning in the promotion, losing to Brazilian contender Herbert Burns by way of 44-second submission in December 2013 and then suffering a first-round knockout loss to Malaysian-Kiwi sensation Ev Ting in October 2014. 

Although Edward bounced back by submitting compatriot Jimmy Yabo in April 2015, he yielded to hard-hitting Australian Martin Nguyen via doctor stoppage 7 months later. 

Edward erased the harsh memories of his painful setbacks by defeating two tough foreign opponents.

“I am so proud of him. It’s impressive because despite the losses, he was able to improve and bounce back with two big wins. I am happy he is reaping the fruits of his labor,” Eric said of Edward in an interview with Rappler. 

However, the two brothers find themselves in a very different scenario as Eric is currently reeling from a two-match losing skid, bowing to Ting via third-round submission in January before yielding to Mongolian kickboxer Jadambaa Narantungalag by 44-second knockout last July.

Eric sees a bright future ahead of Edward and does not mind losing the spotlight to his younger brother as both of them compete in ONE Championship’s featherweight division. 

“I see a bright future in his MMA career. Edward should keep on striving. It’s his moment,” he shared. 

According to Eric, Edward’s latest success in ONE Championship adds fire to his desire to break into the winner’s column as he seeks to be part of the December 2 fight card in the Philippines. 

“His wins in ONE Championship motivate me. It keeps me motivated and aware that I have to seriously focus on MMA,” he said. – Rappler.com