Labuan: Former 2017 B-Maex JY Cup champion, Kai Chee of Kuala Lumpur stole the spotlight at the second Borneo Martial Arts Expo (B-Maex) in the 72kg Super 4 Malaysia National Championship.The 33 years took home a title belt after delivering a TKO to his opponent Chew Zhi Kong of D-30 MuayThai club within the 48 seconds in the second round.
Spectators could not wait for the finalists to meet after both of them showcased promising skills and action during their respective semi-final bouts.
Kai Chee who is the highest profile fighter in this Super-4 fight conquered his semi-final stage and defeated Fikri Rozan of Kelab Labah Mas Baling.
Kai Chee is considered a veteran in the Malaysian combat sports scene and is one of the early few Malaysians who fought pro MMA, and holds a 4-7-0 record with fights at Martial Combat, Malaysian Fighting Championship, ONE Championship and URCC.
However, the true highlight of the Super 4 fight was the semi final spell of Chew Zhi Kong versus Hafiz of Kuda Kepang. The two opponents continuously exchanged blows and kicks, leaving each other battered.
It was during the last seconds of the third and final round when the 20 year old Chew poured on the ammunition and delivered the final strike which put the 32 year old Hafiz out cold with only four seconds remaining on the clock before the bell would ring.
Another climax was during the clash of two former world champions in the for the ISKA BMAEX 75kg title fight which did not disappoint the crowd.
Former world's muay thai champion Marco 'The Machine Gun' Tentori of Pondy Gym celebrated his triumph over the Sabah-born Hisham 'Zephyrus' Samsudin, who is also the first ever Malaysian to hold a World Boxing Federation (WBF) title and is was the former Asia-Pacific Light Heavyweight Champion.
The 34 year old Marco said post-match that his sole goal was to make sure the title will be wrapped on his waist before leaving the island.
Meanwhile, the reigning 67kg title champion and true representation of 'otai' as the locals would dub him, Alan 'Chopstar' Pond dominated the ring in against Sabahan Dean Hamsah of Team Karabaw.
The 42 year old Australian defended his title and did not forget to provide a post-match fan-service by performing his signature song and dance moves, which is fitting with his motto 'win, sing and party'.
Another crowd-pleaser was the father and son duo hailed from the Philippines, the 23 year old Fritz Aldin Biagtan and the 49 year old Maestro Raysaldo Biagtan.
Fritz proved he was a force to be reckoned after leaving his opponent Mardi Mansor @Achok on the ground with the most impressive TKO of the night.
In this match of the millennials, it was total domination by Fritz 'The Kid Tornado' as he delivered the winning knee to body blow in the one minute and fourteen seconds mark of the fight which left the audience in awe.
However his father, Maestro Raysaldo who claimed the Rampage title category here last year, fell short in the 60kg title fight this time.
His opponent, 31 year old Sabahan, Randall 'The Slayer' Kadayum of Kinabalu Fighter took out the former champion in a gruesome match for the belt.
Another crowd-favourite was when local Labuanite Mike Sidis stepped into the ring and conquered it. He brought down the young hotshot Deanver Randel Raphael from Kinabalu Fighters after winning with unanimous votes from the judges in the 85kg title belt.
Former 80kg title champion Alex Lim failed to bring home the belt this year after his Iranian opponent, Mehrdad Malekizhed displayed brute power and impressive skills.
Spectators too were astounded by the contenders of the women's category (51kg) as the Bruneian Noreen Nur defeated the Sarawakian Erliana @ Liyen 'The Blackhawk' with unanimous votes from the judges.
The special fight of the night was for the JY Cup which showcased a match between opponents with disabilities.
Two young fighters, Hafiy Mutalip of Brunei's 018 MMA faced hometown favourite Aremiah Edmund of BCG Labuan for the trophy, but it was Hafiy who rose to the top.
The JY Cup is named after B-Maex founder Alvin Chong's former business partner Joseph Yew who passed away of cancer.
Alvin created the JY Cup in a noble effort to use it to inspire others to achieve their dream in memory of his friend and as a platform to promote unity through martial arts. - Iffah Dilaney
