No more cage fights for me
Published on: Sunday, December 31, 2017
ALL good things must come to an end. Her recent announcement of retirement was unanticipated, but Malaysia's mixed martial arts (MMA) queen Ann 'Athena' Osman is confident that she is doing what is best, not only for herself but also the sport she loves."It was really hard for me to make the decision as I love fighting in the cage and I still train until today…it is part of my lifestyle," said the 31-year-old Sabahan when met recently.
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"I want to take some time off from cage action and try out new things, indulging in new type of workouts and have fun with them."One Championship has been great as I progressed well with One…in fact, I owe it to them as I started my professional fighter career with One."Many factors, she said, had contributed to her decision to trade her fight gloves for a desk job."My fight contract with One was coming to an end in January…this was my second contract with One – each contract has a duration of 27 months.
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"But at the same time, I have my own business as well. I started my fitness studio in 2015 and things started to pick up. A year after that I started my travel business."And my business partner, my husband, and I can see the gradual growth in our businesses.
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It was a busy life for me, plus, I would at least fought twice in a year in One Championship," she said.Focus is the key to the success of any endeavour, and Ann realised that she has to set her priorities right."And then I came to a point where I am reaching the end of my contract, so I sat down and think about the future. I am 31, married and my husband has been really supportive on my fights, but it was hard for me and my business as I have to take two-month offs whenever there is a fight."Eventually, I decided to give cage fight a rest and focus on my business, and develop it as there are many opportunities and projects coming in."Her decision was purely based on the prospect of growing her business as well as venturing into a bigger role in the progress of MMA, especially in Malaysia."The business is our 'baby', but it is hard to give it all when I have to fight and run the business at the same time."I always emphasise on focus…for fights, I have to prepare well and shut down everything including my business."I think it was unhealthy for me, furthermore, I do not want to close down my business."She said, the notion of quitting professional fight career has been hanging over her head since earlier this year."Initially I want to retire closer to the end of my contract but I had to make it earlier as One offered me a fight in January."If I do not decline the offer, then One would extend my contract. In the end, I decided to retire. It was hard for me but if the idea of retiring is always dancing in my mind, then I think it is the right decision to do so," she said.Ann disclosed, she made the decision after a thorough discussion with her coach AJ 'Pyro' Lias Mansor from the Borneo Tribal Squad."AJ knew about it and we discussed it after my last fight and I asked them about the January fight offer."A part of me wanted to take the offer, obviously I wanted to win and avenge my loss but the other part was thinking about the business projects which I handled."My coach told me that it will tough on me to juggle fight life and business."Her biggest regret, she said, is not being able to become the country's first every world champion."I have always wished to win a championship title and become Malaysia's first One world champion. "Although I didn't get the chance to realise that dream, I hope to be there when they do announce Malaysia's first One world title holder."She also said that she will miss the preparation, adrenaline rush during fight competitions."When we compete, it is not the same as other events. When you do your walkout on the runway, all eyes are on you, in a packed stadium, and thousands are watching you from all over the world."I have my own signature walkout where I would catwalk while carrying the Jalur Gemilang on the runway, I mean why not? "I can still remember the cage and the feel of the mat, even months after a fight."I will definitely miss being in the cage, I will probably be in the cage again but in a different role."I will definitely miss fighting in the cage," she said.Ann's rise to fame in Malaysia was notable. In a country where MMA has often deemed as a men's sport – she made her first step on the cage, with an intention to prove the doubters wrong, breaking aside stereotypes and social barriers.On Oct 18, 2013, Malaysia's wait for its first professional female fighter came to an end as Ann made her debut at the One FC – Total Domination in Singapore.The country rallied behind her, but unfortunately she lost via split decision. However, it did not stop her.She came back stronger, chartered three victories before she stumbled at One FC – Tigers of Asia in Stadium Negara, in 2015.Another two wins and two defeats followed before her retirement was announced in Nov 28."When I started my professional fight career, not many people know about MMA and when I was signed by One, I did not tag the title 'Malaysia's first professional female MMA fighter' on my name…it was initially hyped up by the media."After the signing, I was more focussed on realising my dreams and prepared for my debut fight. What struck me was when people started to send me messages, especially women, on how they were inspired to see female fighters on a global stage."I did not know that my achievement would be able to influence and empower women to achieve or do something in their lives as well."And fast forward, almost all commercial gyms, there would be martial art or MMA-inspired programmes in the gyms."Now everyone, including women, is more excited to become a fighter or take up martial art. I think in little ways, I have proven that your ambitions are valid and achievable if you put your heart and soul into them," she said.Despite her retirement, Ann will not be far from the cage."Right after I submitted my retirement notice, One vice-president (operations and competitions) Matt Hume had counter-offered me to be part of his competition team. Understanding that I can work remotely and I do not have to be based in Singapore, so I said 'yes'."I think it is going to be exciting and my new role has to do with athlete relations and development where we will help find new talents and groom them for One."I am delighted as I am not only in a position where I can help future fighters, but also I will be able to be part of One for a very long time," she said.And being a former One fighter, Ann is in the right position to scout for a new batch of fighters."My new role in One is to find talents who have the skills, the heart, the determination, and the values that best fit with One's philosophy. My work will require me to visit gyms as well as attending local combat sport-related events."Even though she is Sabahan, but she would not be purely biased on highlighting talents from the State."Roughly, to date, there are 30 signed One fighters from Malaysia and many of them are from Sabah."Being based in Sabah, it would be easier for me to visit more local gyms but it does not mean that I am going to favour Sabah only."I do admit that there are many good talents in Sabah and most have not been signed by One. However, my role is not only to scout talents in the State, but I am also excited to see what is in store in other places as well," she said.She said her new task augurs well with MMA's bright future, especially in the region."MMA is going to grow bigger, especially at the pace it is right now…as long as there are promotions and opportunities for fighters to showcase their skills."And hopefully MMA will make it to bigger leagues like the Sea Games. Plus, I would like to see more support from the government for this sport."Some parents have changed their perception on MMA as well, she said."Parents, now are more open. I have seen parents, especially during local or national events who came and support their children. Understandably, some parents are afraid, not only because MMA is a combat sport where you can get hurt, but also their children's future in MMA."Now that they have seen the growth of the sport and the possibility of making it as a career option, more parents are more supportive."The growth of MMA in the State and the country was also boosted with the never-ending efforts of One Championship to promote the sport.With over 90 per cent market share in Asia, One Championship is Asia's largest MMA organisation.Headquartered in Singapore, One hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia.Ann joins former UFC world champion Rich Franklin, former One welterweight world champion Ben Askren, and One featherweight fighter Bashir Ahmad as former competitors who have found a place in One's front office. She may have hung her gloves, but will we ever see the 'warrior goddess' in the ring again?"I always say 'never say never'…I consistently train and I am passionate about MMA. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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