KUALA LUMPUR: ANN Osman’s mixed martial arts career has not gone to plan so far but she will have the chance to put it back on track at ONE FC’s Reign of Champions in Dubai on Aug 29.
Ann, Malaysia’s first women’s fighter in ONE FC, will face former WBO and IBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Ana Julaton of the Philippines, in what will be a serious test for the Sabahan.
The 28-year-old’s ONE FC debut against Singapore’s Sherilyn Lim at Total Domination last year saw her suffer a questionable split decision defeat at the latter’s home ground.
A much anticipated rematch at War of Nations in Kuala Lumpur in March failed to materialise after Sherilyn failed to make weight.
“I am really happy to get this fight. I have moved on from what happened at War of Nations and am just glad to get another chance to prove myself,” said the flyweight fighter.
“She (Ana) is definitely my toughest opponent so far. We all know what she has done in boxing which just proves how much quality she has.
“But the sport is not just about striking. You have to be adept at quite a few martial arts to be good and I believe the plan my trainers have prepared for me puts me in a strong position to do it (win) here.”
Ann has not been in the cage since she lost to Sherilyn in October last year but has been keeping the intensity up by competing in other martial arts competitions.
Among her notable achievements this year include taking a silver at the Pan Asia Jiu Jitsu International Open in Manila in May.
“I really have been working hard since I knew of my first fight in ONE FC last year and have not stopped putting the hours in. Even after I lost (to Sherilyn) and after the rematch got called off, I just kept going.
“Finishing second in Manila was a great experience for me as I was fighting in a much heavier weight class than I was used to. It was not easy trying to beat girls who were much bigger than me but I did reasonably well against them.”
The encounter will also be Ana’s second fight after she emerged victorious in her ONE FC debut against Aya Saeid Saber of Egypt at Rise of Heroes (Manila) in May.
The other Malaysian competing at Reign of Champions is Muay Thai specialist Ali Yakuub who will take to the ONE FC cage for the first time against Thailand’s Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.