Jeka Saragih (©One Pride MMA)
One Pride MMA Lightweight Champion Jeka “Si Tendangan Maut” Asparido Saragih, 24, of Indonesia successfully defended his belt “One Pride Pro Never Quit Fight Night 32: Spirit of Champions” at the Tennis Indoor Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 21, 2019. His challenger was Mhar John “Magnanimous” Palalisan Manahan, 25, Philippines.
“One Pride Pro Never Quit Fight Night 32: Spirit of Champions” marked the first international fights of both Saragih and Manahan. The Filipino challenger entered the cage as an undefeated mixed martial artist.
Manahan started strong with a solid right straight that briefly stunned Saragih. The Indonesian defending champion quickly fought back, landing a left kick that knocked the Filipino challenger down that allowed the former to control the back of the latter to sink in a rear naked choke to end the fight on 3:12 of first round.
“This is my first international fight,” Manahan said. “If One Pride offers a rematch, I will not refuse, but not this year, maybe in the coming years.”
During the post-fight interview, Saragih was clear on his goal in One Pride MMA. He explained, “In the beginning, I didn’t want to put pressure on Mhar John and feel out his game.”
“I was surprised that he decided to push the pace earlier so I just answered in kind and win the fight,” Saragih continued. “I am very happy for this international fight and I see this as a proving ground for myself. Going forward, I want to have a second title on a different weight division.”
Losing to Saragih downgraded the professional MMA record to 3 wins and 1 loss. He trains under the tutelage of the wushu world champion Rene “The Challenger” Catalan, 40, of the Philippines.
Manahan is representing Catalan Fighting System and Master Gym Philippines. He was born in Carmona, Cavite, Philippines on December 1, 1993.
Saragih was born on January 1, 1995. He is training out of Satria Negara Fighting Camp Batam and Bandung.
When Saragih made his professional MMA debut in One Pride MMA on September 10, 2016, he was submitted via kimura by his countryman Kevin “Lion Heart” Sulistio, 24. Since then, the former bounced back and won all of his next bouts in the promotion.
Winning at “One Pride Pro Never Quit Fight Night 32: Spirit of Champions” improved the professional MMA record of Saragih to 8 wins and 1 loss. Watch his fight against Manahan here:
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