Malaysia’s most exciting mixed martial arts talent, Keanu Subba, returns to action this Friday, 3 May, on the ONE: FOR HONOR card against Japanese debutant Ryogo Takahashi.
The three-round featherweight battle will pit two world-class athletes against each other, and the winner could take a huge leap closer towards the ONE Featherweight World Title, currently in possession of Martin Nguyen.
Malaysians should be roaring in support of the two-time MIMMA Champion, and if you aren’t, here are four reasons why you must be excited about his return.
#1 A creative martial artist
The 24-year-old Kuala Lumpur-based hero has it all — whether it’s on the ground, in the striking department, or on the defense. To top that off, he also possesses a very high 'fight IQ.’
Subba strikes with the tiniest of openings and can sense when he is on a disadvantage, as seen in his promotional debut against Florian Garel in October 2015.
Despite going up against a tough opponent, Subba patiently picked his way to a win via TKO at 4:51 of the opening stanza.
#2 A knack for finishing opponents
Whenever the Monarchy MMA representative is in the Circle – expect a finish.
All his victories in ONE Championship have come inside round one, the most impressive of the lot coming in the form of his last appearance against Myanmar’s Phoe Thaw in October.
His ability to get a stoppage victory has improved tremendously, and on paper, Subba seems set to maintain his hot-streak against Takahashi in Indonesia.
#3 A big warrior spirit
Subba always thrives when the odds are stacked against him.
When Ahmed Mujtaba traveled to Kuala Lumpur to challenge him in February 2017, many said the Malaysian martial artist stood no chance against an undefeated athlete. However, he silenced their voices with a timely guillotine choke.
It was a similar affair, too, when he visited Phoe Thaw’s hometown in Yangon, Myanmar last year.
These two battles not only proved he is a top athlete, but it made a statement – that nothing can come in the way of Subba’s grit and determination.
#4 A formidable striking game
Despite being known for his awe-inspiring ability on the canvas, Subba’s key to victory has always been his striking.
Subba is an aggressive athlete who will not back down until he hears the bell or the referee stoppage. In fact, some of his finest opponents like Waqar Umar, Christian Lee, Li Kai Wen, and even Mujtaba have tasted his excellence in this department.
Will his striking reign supreme in Jakarta against Takahashi this Friday?
Astro Awani
Tue Apr 30 2019
Keanu Subba, returns to action this Friday, 3 May, on the ONE: FOR HONOR card against Japanese debutant Ryogo Takahashi. - ONE photo
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.