Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol Is Gunning For Four Straight Wins in 2018 Alone
No athlete can match Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol‘s ONE Championship win streak in 2018.
The Indonesian atomweight has already picked up three consecutive victories this year in the world’s largest martial arts organization, all by way of first-round stoppage.
Now, as she prepares to meet Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan at ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday, 13 July, she has the opportunity to extend her amazing run to a phenomenal four bouts.
What’s even more remarkable is that “Thathi’s” achievements have turned her career around, after she began the year with a 0-2 record inside the cage.
“I am so happy, and now I have greater responsibility, for sure,” she says. “I was just unlucky and had a lack of experience in 2017. I really hope that I can be better in the future.”
Lumban Gaol is fueled by a fierce determination to improve against the best martial artists in ONE. Now that she boasts one of the atomweight division’s longest win streaks, her level of competition is rising.
Her next assignment sees her travel to “Shadow Cat’s” homeland. The Malaysian has already become a fan favorite by introducing herself to ONE fans with a submission over Puja Tomar at ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY at the Axiata Arena in March.
Radzuan’s second-round finish pushed her professional record to 2-0, following a debut TKO victory on the regional circuit. As a vaunted striker with Muay Thai and a Wushu World Championship on her résumé, the Ultimate MMA atomweight brings plenty of firepower to the table, as well as some eye-opening submission ability.
Having already faced the likes of former ONE Women’s Strawweight World Title challenger Tiffany “No Chill” Teo and top contender Gina “Conviction” Iniong, Lumban Gaol is no stranger to a challenge, and she has no fear of her opponent’s abilities.
She faces a stern test, but Lumban Gaol isn’t concerned about anything other than her own preparations.
“I don’t see anything dangerous from her,” the Indonesian says. “We both train hard, and we will show each other our skills.
“I will use my striking skill, and maybe some ground techniques. It’s all depends on the chances I get.
“For me, every bout is a challenge, and I don’t feel big pressure. I will do my best to prepare well.”
“Thathi” has barely had a moment to rest while training to develop her skills in 2018. Her hectic schedule has already seen her compete in January, February, and May, which means her time in the gym has been non-stop.
However, she is pleased to have the opportunity to maintain her momentum. Her return this Friday means she will be the promotion’s most prolific athlete of the year, and another win could put her among the top contenders in her division.
“I believe with strong willpower, I will be getting better,” she explains.
“Every fighter will keep pushing their skills and continue learning, and that is a real champion, in my opinion.”
Thanks to her incredible improvement, the Jakartan already fulfills that criteria. If she can maintain her current form, she may also get the chance to be called a champion in the literal sense – by earning a shot at the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title.
