Jenelyn Olsim has a single goal in mind for her return to the Circle, and that is to beat Julie Mezabarba.
The Team Lakay atomweight had a promising start to her ONE Championship career going 2-0 in her first two fights in the main roster. Her momentum, however, stopped when she faced Ritu Phogat on short notice.
Olsim was a late replacement to the ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix semifinals after Itsuki Hirata pulled out of the match due to medical concerns.
Despite taking the fight on short notice, Olsim hung on with Phogat but eventually lost via unanimous decision.
Nevertheless, the loss provided Olsim with a passion that she plans to unleash against Mezabarba in ONE 158 on June 3 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“Coming from that unfortunate result, I really want this match to be in my favor. I’m really hungry for that win, if it’s possible I want to get this fight over with,” said Olsim.
Mezabarba, however, is one tough fighter.
The Brazilian brawler has a 9-3 professional record and holds a win over former title contender Mei Yamaguchi in her ONE Championship debut.
Olsim sees Mezabarba as a superior striker, but the Filipino striker isn’t one to cower in adversity.
“Mezabarba strikes me as a tough and driven athlete. I think her striking is superior but I won’t let that overshadow my strong will to win over her,” said Olsim.