JAKARTA – A mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Simalungun, North Sumatra, Jeka Saragih made history as the first Indonesian fighter to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) final. This was achieved by Jeka Saragih after a knockout win over South Korean fighter Ki Won Bin in the semi-finals.
In the final scheduled for South Korea in February 2023, Jeka Saragih will once again face India’s representative, Anshul Jubli. Previously, Jeka faced another Indian representative, Pawan Maan Singh in the quarter-finals.
Meeting with representatives from India again, Jeka was determined to repeat his glorious victory by knocking out Anshul Jubli and earning a contract with the UFC.
“If possible, I want an opponent to be hit in the hip (Red-digotong) outside the UFC ring,” said Jeka Saragih, who wore a hip (typical Simalungun hat) with the youth minister and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali at Kemenpora office in Jakarta, Thursday (9/9/2020). 11/2022).
To satisfy her determination to win by knockout, Jeka will undergo a training program in the land of Uncle Sam. “It was a joint decision between One Pride and KOBI. I will be going to the United States this month to preparing for the final in February. It’s a joint decision between One Pride and the Martial Arts Committee (KOBI),” the 181cm youngster said.
Jeka Saragih also didn’t forget to ask for prayers and support from all Indonesians when he appeared in the final later. “For the people of Indonesia, especially North Sumatra and Simalungun, I ask for prayers and support, so that my training can go smoothly and that next February can give the best to the people of Indonesia,” he said. declared.
Jeka is known as a martial arts athlete under the care of Batam Fighter Club (BFC) from Bah Pasussang Hamlet, North Sumatra. His name skyrocketed after winning the MMA One Pride 70kg lightweight class.
Since high school, Jeka has shown an interest in martial arts. Jeka practiced wushu until he took part in a match in the Philippines in 2013 even though he had yet to manage to win the championship. The defeat did not extinguish his spirit. He continued practicing wushu martial arts until he managed to win the national wushu championship in Yogyakarta representing North Sumatra.
Jeka advised all fighters in the country to keep the fighting spirit and train to achieve their goals, all have the same opportunity. “For Indonesian fighters, keep fighting and training. You have the same opportunity, just wait for the time to go through the process while it’s still One Pride and KOBI is committed to resuscitating MMA in Indonesia. All fighters from the country can compete internationally, especially in the UFC,” he said. ***
