Malaysia’s Keanu Subba (6-3) is looking to upset the hometown favourite Phoe “Bushido” Thaw (6-0) at ‘ONE: Pursuit of Greatness’ in Yangon, Myanmar tomorrow, Oct 26, 2018.
The 24-year-old, who’s set for his second apperance in the ONE Championship cage since his injury last year, is certainly not underestimating his opponent. The former MIMMA Featherweight champion is well aware of the local hero’s perfect record; Phoe Thaw is riding high on five KO and TKO first-round victories when he comes face to face with Subba for this featherweight contest at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium.
“He’s a dangerous striker as we’ve seen on several occasions. I love this match because it’s happening at his backyard and I love upsetting the fans,” confides Subba, adding: “I’ll be expecting something hostile as the local fans will always be supportive of their local heroes. But I won’t let their jeers affect me. I’m happy and have never been more prepared.”
The younger of the Subba brothers shares that he has noticed a slight hole in Phoe Thaw’s game, which he feels he can exploit and use against the Myanmar superstar. Continues the Malaysian: “I feel he lacks experience on the ground, so I’m going to bring the fight to the ground and work my way to a victory from there.Ground and pound or a submission - I foresee something like that coming.”
Subba is no stranger to finishing his opponents. So far, he has recorded five first-round wins in ONE Championship, of which two were via submission and another three, via knockout. “He’s definitely got more knockouts,” concedes the Kuala Lumpur resident, before adding: “But experts should know I’ve recorded a few victories in similar fashion a couple of years ago.”
Subba’s last victory via knockout came on home soil in September 2016 at the ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS showcase at Stadium Negara. He reversed his opponent’s attempt from a triangle armbar and started throwing heavy jabs before referee Joey Lepiten called it an end inside 4:31 of round one. The Monarchy MMA representative’s only other two TKO’s came against Malaysia’s Rayner Kinsiong and Florian Garel.
Meanwhile, Phoe Thaw’s takedown defense has yet to be tested, but Subba says that he’s ready for a stand-up war anytime. Confidence lacing his voice, he adds: “I’m confident wherever this fight goes, if I can’t take him down, a back-and-forth battle will do too.”
Subba’s bout with “Bushido” will be closely watched by millions of fans worldwide before the co-main event between Rafael Nunes and Movlid Khaibulaev takes centerstage.In the main event, Phoe Thaw’s fellow countryman, Aung La N Sang will defend his ONE Middleweight World Title against Lebanon’s Mohammad “O Lutador” Karaki.