Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol Prepared To Take Out A World Champ

Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol wants to get on the fast-track back to the top of the ONE Championship women’s atomweight division with a win at ONE: FOR HONOR.

The Indonesian’s stock is sure to surge if she can get her hand raised in her hometown of Jakarta against one of the hottest young stars in her weight class – Cambodia’s Nou Srey Pov – on 3 May.

It has been a year of learning so far for the 30-year-old striker, but she is sure all the knowledge she has absorbed has set her up to prevail against the dangerous Kun Khmer World Champion.

“After my last bout, I went back into the gym to improve all things that are lacking and maintain what has been my strength in terms of skills,” Lumban Gaol says.

“I have definitely improved my skills since I know what was lacking in me.”

The time that the two-time Wushu World Championship medalist has taken to focus on her evolution as a mixed martial artist is a luxury she did not get to enjoy much last year.

In 2018, she was forced to learn on the job, as she was thrown into six bouts. Though it was a successful period for the Siam Training Camp representative – who won an incredible five contests to become one of her sport’s breakout stars – almost all of her training was devoted to preparing for her next opponents.

However, now that she has had several months to reset, hone her attacks, and solidify her defense, she says fans should expect a more finely-tuned “Thathie” than ever.

“As we strive for improvements, we will change [into a better version of ourselves], for sure,” she says.

“Just wait and see what I’ve got in my arsenal because I have been training and training to sharpen everything I have.”

Lumban Gaol may have been ONE’s busiest competitor last year, but her upcoming opponent can boast an even more active schedule so far in her career.

Nou is just 24 years old, but she already boasts a 91-8-2 record through her journey to the top of her national sport. She transferred her skills to a new discipline in a big way in February when she dominated Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige over three rounds.

“Thathie” respects what her rival brings to the table, but she is confident that she will be able to overcome her powerful striking – whether that is through her own elite stand-up skills or the ever-improving grappling game she has already used to seal two submission wins in The Home Of Martial Arts.

“My next opponent is still young, strong, and is an energetic striker. However, she might be less powerful on the ground techniques, which is what I am aiming for,” she explains.

“My game plan will be according to what the coach instructs during my bout. I am hoping to put on a show and to secure a victory to entertain my supporters and all mixed martial arts fans on that night.

“I will, and have to be ready because an athlete should always answer any challenges in any kind of situation.”

Once again, Lumban Gaol will lead the charge for Indonesia on the main card of an event stacked with talent from her native land.

While she is focused on her own success, she also hopes her compatriots can do their people proud. She has high hopes for them and believes a night of victories against international opposition can take mixed martial arts to new a new level in Indonesia.

“I hope for all my fellow countrymen to train hard and strengthen their will to win, as any victories will be able to lift the dignity of our nation,” she adds.