PUERTO PRINCESA—With an MMA title already under his portfolio, Igor Subora caught the attention of One Championship in 2014, eventually giving him a chance to showcase his stuff there.
But upon his arrival, the Ukrainian fighter realized there are still a lot to work on.
Subora suffered a defeat in his One debut against another veteran making his maiden stint then, former UFC heavyweight title contender Brandon Vera, who would take One's heavyweight belt the year later.
[Related Story: Vera scores quick KO of Cheng for One heavyweight belt]
Also in 2015, Subora lost anew, this time against Alain Ngalani.
Taking 2016 off, the former URCC heavyweight champion looks to restart his career, and it begins with his return bout on Jan. 14 at One: Quest for Power at the Jakarta Convention Center.
[Related Story: Former Vera foe Subora returns as light heavyweight; Sang replaces Prachnio as Bigdash challenger]
Also in 2015, Subora lost anew, this time against Alain Ngalani.
Taking 2016 off, the former URCC heavyweight champion looks to restart his career, and it begins with his return bout on Jan. 14 at One: Quest for Power at the Jakarta Convention Center.
[Related Story: Former Vera foe Subora returns as light heavyweight; Sang replaces Prachnio as Bigdash challenger]
“I am very focused, motivated, and doing everything right this time around to get the win. It’s my chance to redeem myself. I can tell everybody that my hand will be raised this Jan. 14,” he stated.
Now slipping to the light heavyweights, Subora will square off with a fighter on a roll in former Evolution light heavyweight champion Sherif Mohamed, but Subora believes he has a huge edge over his opponent.
Now slipping to the light heavyweights, Subora will square off with a fighter on a roll in former Evolution light heavyweight champion Sherif Mohamed, but Subora believes he has a huge edge over his opponent.
“My opponent had great wins in the past, but I don’t know if he is ready for what I am bringing on fight night. I consider myself as the experienced fighter in this match-up,” Subora said.
Despite already leaving the Manila-based URCC, Subora still does his training in the Philippines' main urban jungle, and his experience fighting the best Filipino pugs plus Ngalani makes him think Mohamed can be overrated.
Despite already leaving the Manila-based URCC, Subora still does his training in the Philippines' main urban jungle, and his experience fighting the best Filipino pugs plus Ngalani makes him think Mohamed can be overrated.
“I fought the best in the Philippines and in One Championship. I don’t think he is ready to play with the big boys,” he added.
In the end, he vowed, “I am hungry to win this fight. I learned a valuable lesson from my last two fights. I am very excited to get back. I feel like I haven’t shown my true from in One Championship. This will be a great platform to show the world the real Igor Subora.”