spot_img
28.6 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

Yabo inspired to thrive harder by newborn son

- Advertisement -

Jimmy "The Silencer" Yabo is more motivated than ever to make it big in his mixed martial arts career following the birth of his newborn child

Yabo inspired to thrive harder by newborn son

Born last 12 November, Jhael Kaleb Yabo is the latest addition to the family of the 37-year-old Cebu City native.

The Filipino striker is at a lost for words when it comes to describing the joy that he feels with the arrival of his youngest.

"Jhael is a huge blessing for all of us. I am out of words as to how I will describe my happiness. This is another meaningful moment in my life," Yabo shared.

- Advertisement -

But quite similar to his nine-year run as a mixed martial artist, he admitted that raising his new son properly will also pose a challenge.

"I hope and pray that I can be a good role model to him and to his siblings. My goal is to be a good provider, teacher, and a good role model to my family,” Yabo said.

"I will be the best father that I can be. There is more responsibility now as a father and as an athlete. I’m happy to accept it.”

Yabo made his return to action after an 11-month layoff this past November when he took on Indonesian-Dutch spitfire Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen in a 72-kilogram catchweight contest at ONE: WARRIOR'S DREAM in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Filipino third-degree taekwondo black belt did not get the result that he wanted, yielding to Engelen by way of first-round submission.

"The Silencer" has had his fair share of setbacks under the ONE Championship banner. Despite the heartbreaks, he remains optimistic that things will turn out for the better next year.

"Jhael has given me more motivation to work harder and to perform better. I know I’m not just fighting for myself everytime I compete," Yabo stated.

"I still believe that I have a great career ahead of me. These challenges have continuously improved me as an athlete. I’m looking forward to having a busy 2019.”

The last time Yabo got his hand raised in triumph was when he faced Bashir "Somchai" Ahmad at ONE: TRIBE OF WARRIORS in February 2016.

Branded as the underdog against the man regarded as “The Godfather of Pakistani Mixed Martial Arts,” Yabo defied odds by knocking out Ahmad in just 21 seconds with a perfectly-timed right hand.

With the help of a newfound inspiration that he draws from Jhael, Yabo is confident that he could reinsert his name into the winner’s column.

"I’m a very positive person, and I know that I can get back to my winning ways. I have big dreams for myself as a competitor and as a father,” he declared. “Every lesson that I’ve learned will inch me closer on reaching those dreams.”

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles