Anthony Engelen ‘Super Stoked’ For Shanghai Battle With Chen Lei

Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen is excited to make his ONE Championship return on Saturday, 15 June.

The Dutch-Indonesian star intends to deliver a statement performance at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST in Shanghai, and then enjoy the rest of his time in the Chinese metropolis.

“I’m super stoked for several reasons,” he begins.

“Number one, just the idea of getting back into the ring again. That’s what I live for. Second, to do it in Shanghai. I’ve always wanted to visit Shanghai, and I’m grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to see it this time. I really am excited to visit that city.

“After the fight, I’m going to take a few days just to go around, stroll the streets, and put some more food in my belly. I’m looking forward to that.”

Before he explores China in all of its glory, Engelen will meet local hero “Rock Man” Chen Lei in a 67.5-kilogram catch weight mixed martial arts contest at the Baoshan Arena.

The 33-year-old Jakarta resident had a terrific end to 2018, as he had a pair of first-round stoppage victories in an eight-day timespan.

He experienced a few setbacks since the start of the new year, but his confidence is far from shattered.

Engelen has grown tremendously in the time he has trained at Bali MMA, and he remains grateful for the coaches and training partners who prepare him for battle.

“Just by yourself, you’ll never be a World Champion. You can only progress if there are people around who are better than you. If you’re always the best in the room, you will have to progress,” he said.

“You need to get [beat up] at least a few times a week in order to reach that level, and that’s actually why I went to Bali. There are enough guys that will [beat me up] on a daily basis.”

Engelen will look to play the role of the spoiler against home favorite Chen, who started his career with a perfect 8-0 slate before falling to “Jungle Cat” Muhammad Aiman in September.

Aside from that lone blemish, the Dutch-Indonesian star has been impressed with “Rock Man” and knows he will have to be on his guard against a dangerous opponent.

“He is fairly young. He’s definitely a rising star in China, and he has a good record,” the Dutch-Indonesian says.

“I’ve seen a few of his fights. He seems like a fairly aggressive beginner, as in he punches aggressively and likes to try a lot of takedowns, so that’s something I must be careful about.

“He will probably come out striking, and hunt for that knockout or go for the takedown. It’s going to be interesting.”

“The Archangel” knows it will be a long road to achieving his goal of winning the ONE Featherweight World Championship, but he is hopeful of restarting his campaign on solid footing in Shanghai.

The journey will not be easy, but he hopes his fellow countrymen will join him for the ride and lend their support.

“I just hope that Indonesian fans will support me on my journey to win my fight and to eventually get that belt. Keep on supporting me as you have always done in the past,” Engelen requests.

“Also, support and have faith in other Indonesian fighters as well because, at the end of the day, we are doing it for our families, for our fans, and for Indonesia.”