Edward Kelly (Photo : ONE Championship)
Grappling has always been a bane amongst Filipino MMA fighters, and although the Philippines has such a rich martial arts culture, the emphasis has been predominantly focused on striking. As a result of this, the country has produced some of the most highly-skilled boxers and kickboxers, adept at scoring lightning quick knockouts at the drop of a dime - but not enough who are knowledgeable in the grappling arts.
There are, of course, exceptions - fighters who excel in the art of submissions - like Team Lakay featherweight standout Edward "The Ferocious" Kelly.
Kelly (7-3-0) of Baguio City, Philippines earned a much needed victory over previously unbeaten Australian Jordan "Showtime" Lucas (8-1-0), winning by rear naked choke submission midway into the first round of a scheduled three-round featherweight bout at ONE: UNION OF WARRIORS which took place last Friday night, March 18 at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.
Kelly overcame a would-be great performance from Lucas who was making his highly-anticipated ONE Championship debut.
"I feel great, luckily I got the win. I'm proud that my gameplan was executed," said Kelly, in a post-fight interview.
"I failed a little bit in my grappling technique and my takedown defense, but luckily I got the win."
Edward, along with his older brother Eric "The Natural" Kelly, are of the few fighters in the country to specialize in the grappling arts. The two fighters combine for an impressive 12 out of 19 victories won by submission.
As such, Kelly put his grappling prowess on full display against Lucas.
Although Lucas dragged Kelly down to the mat seemingly at will, and on one occasion, even took the Filipino stalwart for a ride with an emphatic overhead slam to the canvas, Kelly kept calm in the face of adversity.
As Kelly received a beatdown from Lucas in top position, the 32-year old veteran's experience came into play. Keeping his composure, Kelly, who is 10 years Lucas' senior, weathered the storm and bided his time to capitalize on an opening.
And as Lucas shot for another takedown, Kelly saw his chance.
"I knew Jordan [Lucas] was taking my single-leg so I just put my right arm around his neck and slowly squeezed until Jordan tapped," said Kelly, who forced the stoppage at 3:47 of the first round.
It was Kelly's biggest win by far, after winning just one out of his last four bouts at ONE Championship. The Filipino was in dire need of a solid victory over a tough opponent, and he got that against Lucas.
At just 22 years of age, Lucas will undoubtedly be back, so this victory meant a lot more to Kelly. As ONE Championship's featherweight division runs deep with talent, expect Kelly back in the cage soon enough against another tough opponent.
"We worked on my submission defense and my takedown defense but Jordan [Lucas] is a great guy and a great fighter also with good technique and good timing with his takedowns," said Kelly.
"To my fans in Myanmar, thank you so much. Myanmar is very memorable to me because I fought here once before, during my Wushu days back in 2004. Luckily I was able to come back here and show that I am an improved fighter."
