Keanu Subba Predicts Spectacular Finish At ONE: FOR HONOR

Keanu Subba is determined to score a highlight-reel knockout and cement his status as a top contender in the featherweight division in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday, 3 May.

The 24-year-old has had to wait for six months to compete since his last outing in October, so his battle with Japanese newcomer Ryogo Takahashi at ONE: FOR HONOR cannot come soon enough.

Takahashi is new to the world’s largest martial arts organization, but he is a well-established competitor who is riding a six-bout win streak and boasts the Shooto Pacific Rim Featherweight Title on his résumé.

He is exactly the kind of opponent the Malaysian wants to face at the Istora Senayan.

“I’m just grateful to be fighting again,” says Subba. 

“This is the type of fight I want and I need, the type of fight people will notice. My opponent is on a big win streak, so when I beat him, it will look really good for me.”

The Monarchy MMA representative picked up back-to-back victories in the second half of 2018 when he submitted both Xie Chao and Phoe Thaw in the first round.

He is keen to keep up his momentum in a talent-rich division that has a plethora of talented contenders for the World Title. Although his time out of action has been frustrating, it has also allowed him the time to get into the best shape of his career and set himself up to continue his ascent through the ranks.

“I’m in the best shape of my life, for sure – mentally and physically,” says the Kuala Lumpur native.

“Training at Monarchy has been great. We’ve started training with heart-rate monitors, we have nutritionists now, and strength and conditioning coaches.

“Everything has been perfect. I cannot wait to go out there and show what I’ve been working on.”

Subba’s rival’s run of form shows how dangerous he can be. He has finished four opponents during his six-match streak to bring his tally of knockouts to seven in 11 career victories.

Despite his firepower, however, Subba is willing to face him head-on.

“I feel confident on the feet,” he reveals.

“The key to beating him is being unorthodox and unpredictable. I have the range and reach advantage, so I’m going to need to use that well in this fight.

“I have a good game plan coming in, which I will reveal in the fight.”

Subba has earned a reputation as a clinical finisher on the ground – his last three wins have come by way of submission, and he also has a fierce ground and pound arsenal.

His ability to secure victory on the ground will always be a threat, but he sees his battle with the 30-year-old striker as the perfect opportunity to show his stand-up prowess, add a spectacular striking stoppage to his impressive professional slate, and entrench himself in his division’s upper echelon.

“I really want to show how much I’ve improved on the feet,” says Subba.

“The last fight where I got to show any striking was against Christian Lee, and before that Li Kai Wen. After that, I didn’t get to show much, so I feel like this is a great opportunity to show my improvements.

“I’m ready to go all three rounds, I’m well conditioned, but I feel like I’m getting really good with imposing my range and my striking.

“I really see me finishing him with a high kick in the first or second round.”