Martial arts is a sport deeply rooted in passion and dedication -- a passion to uphold life and a dedication to protect it. Which is why for mixed martial artists Chan Heng of Cambodia, and Mario Satya Wirawan of Indonesia, martial arts has paved another path for them to follow, one different from that which was given, providing much needed sustenance for their families.
On December 5, at the Koh Pich Theatre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Chan and Wirawan will go head to head in a three round featherweight bout at ONE: KINGDOM OF KHMER, as the two open the show with a spectacular clash of up-and-coming fighters.
"I am a handyman and I can fix anything. I don't have a particular job - I can be an electrician, a plumber, a construction worker, or motor taxi [driver], depending on what I can find each day," said Chan.
"But I have to find a job everyday, because otherwise, there won't be food for my family."
For Chan, such hardship is nothing new. He's been going about this way his entire life, living off odd jobs, moving from one to the other to support his wife and two daughters.
When asked about why he took up a competing in the cage, Chan expressed that, at the time, it was more a necessity than passion.
"I took up competing in MMA because I was very motivated to make money to support my family, so I used my skills in martial arts to make a living. I kept on fighting and was waiting for my big break and then I got a shot on the international stage," said Chan.
Juggling work, family and training is tough for a low-middle class citizen like Chan but his tenacity and perseverance, now qualities that make him an exceptional fighter, made sure that he found the motivation to get up each morning to work hard each day.
Chan's dream is to see his 2 daughters live a good life without struggling like he does on a daily basis.
"I am grateful for the chance to compete in an organisation as huge as ONE Championship," said Chan.
"It is life-changing for me and so I am very determined to win and open up more opportunities for me to excel in MMA. Huge international fights like these can earn me more money and improve my family's standard of living."
As a fighter literally fighting for a life out of poverty, Chan is also thankful for the enormous support shown by his country and the Cambodian MMA community, who has helped him get the necessary training to prepare for all his fights
"I train with Kru Chan of Cambodian Top Team. He is very kind and has helped provide me with some solid MMA skills that I have used in the cage. I am very eager to get into the ONE Cage this December to show the world what I am capable of and make a name for myself on the international stage," said Chan.
On the other side of the spectrum stands opponent, Mario Satya Wirawan from the small town of Bogor in Indonesia. A former varsity football player, Wirawan fell in love with mixed martial arts in 2011, the year ONE Championship held its first event in Singapore.
With ONE Championship's wide reach across the region, the event dubbed ONE: CHAMPION VS CHAMPION was viewed by fans all across Asia. Wirawan was among those fans eagerly awaiting the debut of what is now Asia's largest mixed martial arts organization.
"[I got into MMA] by accident. I learned a bit of everything -- Muay Thai, Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu. Then suddenly, I saw an announcement on Facebook in 2011 about an amateur tournament," Wirawan said.
"I got as high as the semifinals, but from there, I continued to learn and I was hooked. Now I'm here.
Wirawan is part of the next generation of Asian MMA fighters who have taken up the sport in the advent of its popularity in the region, particularly in Indonesia.
And like all others, he feels proud to represent his country.
"I feel proud that I'm representing my country again in an international event and now in Cambodia. I'm very excited to fight in Cambodia. I've never been to Cambodia before but I hope to have a good time there and leave with satisfaction for me and my team," Wirawan added.
Wirawan's debut for ONE unfortunately wasn't successful as he lost to fellow countryman Sunoto via unanimous decision in Jakarta's ONE: ODYSSEY OF CHAMPIONS last September. However, He is determined to learn from his first professional fight and come back stronger.
"I have been working on many things after my previous fight. My main mistake has been identified and repaired. You are going to see a lot of improvement and a different Mario Satya Wirawan in this fight," said Wirawan, who took his first defeat as motivation to work harder.
"My opponent Chan Heng is an experienced fighter with submission skills.and I believe that styles make fights. It's a good matchup for me and I look forward to demonstrate my improved skillset in the cage," said Wirawan.
Though both Wirawan and Chan come from different backgrounds, they have similar motivations and are both hungry for a win. Whether it's a fight for fame and glory, or a fight to survive, all questions will be answered on December 5.
The ONE Cage beckons.