Ev Ting hopes for another crack at the ONE lightweight world title

After succeeding in his mission against Daichi Abe at ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY on 12 July, the Auckland-based athlete already has his sights set on another world-class athlete.

“Going 10-0 in Kuala Lumpur meant everything to me. I would choose this feeling any day over a greedy one million sitting in a digital corporate bank,” the Malaysian warrior admitted.

When asked who he wants to face in the Circle next, Ting replied, “Everyone has sights on Christian Lee, and I'm the ‘Ev’ in Everyone.”

Ting has always prospered in difficult times, and if anything, it brings out the very best in him.

Despite enduring two back-to-back defeats, with a fraction of the martial arts community questioning his ability, Ting pulled off another magnificent performance in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month.

In his bout with Abe, the Japanese athlete sent the Malaysian martial artist to the mat on several occasions in the opening round, but somehow, he brilliantly turned the match around en route to a rear-naked choke in the second round.

His determination to overcome any challenge in his mixed martial arts career was evident during that bout, but Ting revealed that was all part of his plan.

“I may have lost balance and made that moment look more dramatic than it was. ONE is all about taking the audience on a high-low ride of entertainment,” the 29-year-old athlete said.

“I am down but not out - keep underestimating my tummy.”

Ting last challenged for the ONE Lightweight World Title in April 2017. He was riding on a four-match winning streak before that match.

However, he could not find a way to finish Eduard 'Landslide' Folayang and eventually lost to the Filipino warrior by unanimous decision.

This time around he is certain he could mount a better challenge towards the pinnacle of the lightweight division.

“I've been working with some of the best coaches in the world - Hamish, David, and Mike help me improve my moves," he said.