The biggest stage in Asian mixed martial arts (MMA) has been awaiting the presence of Narantungalag Jadambaa, who was out of action for 13 months while recovering from an injury that cost him his first loss in seven years.

Proving that he is still very much in the game, the 38-year-old top Mongolian fighter marked his ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) debut in May with much significance when he handed former Filipino champion Honorio Banario his third consecutive loss.

"I thank ONE FC for giving me such a big chance. I feel great now," Narantungalag said. "I would like to dedicate that comeback win to my teammates, family, supporters and the aspiring Mongolian youths who are currently training hard in MMA."

Opportunity of a lifetime

In only his second ONE FC outing, Jadambaa finds himself with the opportunity of a lifetime.

The ONE FC World Featherweight Championship is on the line as current titleholder Koji Oishi defends it once again; this time at ONE FC: REIGN OF CHAMPIONS at Dubai World Trade Centre on 29 August.

The former Legend FC champion plans to showcase his exciting style in front of what is set to be a full house in Dubai.

However, Jadambaa plans to leave with his hand raised in victory, along with capturing the most prestigious title in Asian MMA

A great honor it would be for the 12-fight veteran, Jadambaa added that he will "fight hard with all that he has to make his dream of winning the championship come true".

Blending the arts

Jadambaa excelled in many different martial arts before he found his way to MMA.

Holding a black belt in both Karate and Judo, it was only a matter of time before he used his experience to take on the world of MMA. Now, those skills see him vying for a world championship.

"MMA is the hardest of all martial arts, as you are able to use all that you know and you never know what will hit you next. It is tough and that's why I chose it," Jadambaa explained.

His professional MMA career started on the wrong foot with two straight losses, but he turned that around quickly and went on to achieve an eight-fight winning streak that spanned across a period of six years.

Rematch

His most recent loss came at the hands of Japanese lightweight star Koji Ando, where Jadambaa suffered an accidental devastating ankle injury.

It is likely that Jadambaa will get the chance to avenge his loss, but right now he feels comfortable at the new weight category that he dropped down to.

"If I am given the chance for a rematch with Ando, I won't refuse it," Narantungalag exclaimed. "But at the moment, I think featherweight is suited for my height."

Mongolian pride

Being able to represent his home country of Mongolia on the premier world stage of MMA is a huge honor for Jadambaa.

He hopes his journey and achievements will inspire more athletes from his country to take up the sport.

"I am proud to be Mongolian and I hope we will see more and more Mongolian MMA fighters come out and becoming the number one fighter in the world one day. It is possible, as a lot of Mongolian young people have the confidence to train and succeed in MMA."

source: Yahoo Singapore News