'Jordan Boy' ready to flip the script against Saiful Merican

Not everything goes according to the script, and sometimes, even the best-laid plans can go awry. Just ask Malaysia’s Muay Thai exponent, Mohammed 'Jordan Boy' Mahmoud.

It started with the ideal opening scene — a text to say that he's got the chance to redeem himself after three straight losses at ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 12 July.

To make the scenario even more tantalizing, it was an opportunity make his return at the very same place he electrified his supporters during his debut with a first-round knockout of Stergos 'Greek Dynamite' Mikkios in December.

But then, as with all good plots, the unexpected twist was written into it. The lanky Kedah-born athlete found out that he was going to face a fellow Malaysian, Saiful 'The Vampire' Merican.

“Sometimes, you just have to do what you have to do, [compete against anyone regardless of whether they are from the same country],” Mohammed said.

“I’m just grateful to be given the chance to fight on home ground, and hopefully, I can win this for my family and loyal fans.”

Now that the dust of the shock has settled, the Sampuri Muay Thai Gym representative is gearing up for what looks to be a very tricky opponent.

Saiful has devoted most of his adulthood to Muay Thai, but made the short transition to mixed martial arts in 2013.

Although it’s been six years since he last competed in “the art of eight limbs,” he has promised that he’ll hold nothing back against 'Jordan Boy'.

Mohammed is aware of this, and he believes Saiful’s ring rust could be a decisive factor in his quest to claim his second ONE Championship win.

“I’ve done some analysis of his game with my coaches, and I know that he’s a very brave fighter. He knows how to take a punch, but he’s also not averse to being punched,” the Kedah-born athlete shared.

“Thanks to his stint in mixed martial arts, Saiful has also acquired some nifty footwork. Whatever the case, he’s a Muay Thai guy, and I’m a Muay Thai guy, and we’ll both have some tricks up our sleeves on the night.”

Whatever the outcome, one thing’s for sure – the script will conclude with a sweet Malaysian victory on home soil.