Sibling Rivalry And Support Drives Gianni Subba's Success

As an older sibling, Gianni Subba’s support for his brother Keanu has helped him to flourish as a mixed martial artist.

He may look up to his role model, but Keanu has also been invaluable for Gianni’s success, too.

The Subbas’ close bond has been vital to getting each other through tough times in their careers. When they have fallen on hard times and tasted defeat in the cage, they are each others’ closest confidants.

Together they can break down where they have gone wrong and – along with their coaches – figure out how they can improve the next time they compete.

They also watch a lot of mixed martial arts together to try and pick up new techniques that they can bring to the cage and use to snatch their next victory.

So far, it has worked a treat. Neither man has ever suffered two losses in a row.

“It’s been good over the years,” Gianni says.

“Last year we had a couple of losses. This year we had a lot of talks, a lot of mental training – visualizing fights a lot.

“We are our hardest critics, and I’m so thankful to have him as a younger brother.”

For that reason, it goes without saying that the 26-year-old will have his brother right by his side, along with his team from Bali MMA, when he returns to action at ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS. Subba will face “The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this Friday, 7 December.

It will be a familiar sight for Malaysian fans to watch their heroes share a moment before Gianni steps under the lights to compete, and they exchange a few final words of encouragement.

“I could never have found a better brother. Him, Mike [Ikele], and Donny [Carlo-Clauss] will corner me in Kuala Lumpur,” he adds.

“We always tell each other to believe in your abilities. Keanu trains and beats most of his training partners, so I tell him, ‘No matter what you’re going to come out with a win, and believe in that.’

“We just want each other to do the best we can do. I only want him to do good, he wants the best for me too.”

The Subbas’ collaborative relationship also flourishes when they train together as they guide each other through new techniques and push each other through tough sessions.

However, this is also when a little sibling rivalry emerges.

Like any brothers, they are also highly competitive, so a little rolling or sparring is the perfect chance for a bit of friendly competition.

Their exchanges can get a little intense, but that is all part of pushing each other to stay on their game and improve with every training session.

“We grapple a lot, so there’s always a moment where we laugh or try to teach each other,” Gianni adds

“He also cut me once with a jab, I was hurt but did not hate him for doing so! We were training, and things like this are bound to happen.”

Outside of the gym and their martial arts pursuits, the Subbas have a close relationship too – playing games, eating, and watching movies together.

However, they also play basketball together, and once they get on the court, they play to win.

“When we play basketball we are ruthless, and there’s no mercy,” Gianni laughs.

“But I have no jealousy towards my brother, only respect.”

All of the Subbas’ exploits have given them the eye for victory Gianni will need if he is to outwork Ma and come out with the victory in KL.

If he does, the Subbas can celebrate together, too.