When ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen steps into the Circle next week, protecting his strap will be secondary – his first goal will be to inspire the next generation of athletes.
He’ll attempt to do that against dangerous knockout artist Thanh Le in one of the four World Championship bouts at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX next Friday, October 30, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“I’m a World Champion for a reason,” the 31-year-old told ONEFC.com.
“I didn’t fight every fight based on luck. I worked hard. I did everything right in the training room and it got me to where I am right now.”
A win against Le means that he not only gets to keep his belt, but that he’s bound to inspire more people and leave behind a greater legacy.
“My legacy is a huge factor in looking forward and being able to move forward,” he said.
“I want people to look back and say, ‘This World Champion, he’s the one that got me into the sport. He’s the one that helped me push on every single day. He can spend however many miles away from his family and still be the same guy and still perform at the very best and at the highest level possible.’”
Nguyen acknowledges that Le – ONE’s third-ranked featherweight – is technically sound and powerful, and he’s excited to tear the house down with him.
“He’s a great athlete. He moves quickly and he’s got a lot of power,” Nguyen said.
“Obviously, he has a taekwondo base. He likes to make you miss and come with the heavy shots, and I can’t wait to face this type of athlete.”
With two stars who are willing to leave it all on the line, fans should anticipate a highlight reel finish at any time – and Nguyen expects the same.
“I want to finish by any means necessary,” he said.
Watch ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX next Friday, 30 October, live on One Sports+ or the ONE Super App at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). One Sports will air the event on a same-day delay at 9 p.m. PHT.
Additionally, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT on Saturday, October 31.