By Jun Ray Navarres
Team Lakay Jenelyn Olsim is eager to get back to the winning column and has a single goal for her return to the circle, and that is to beat Julie Mezabarba at ONE 158 on June 3.
The Filipina MMA rising star was a raging bull in her ONE debut, trampling over Maira Mazar and Killer Bi Nguyen.
However, a short-notice fight against Ritu Phogat for the ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix semifinals stopped Olsim in her tracks.
Despite the loss, Olsim managed to hold her ground against the Indian wrestling champion, losing only by a unanimous decision.
“Coming from that unfortunate result, I really want this match to be in my favor. I’m really hungry for that win, if it’s possible I want to get this fight over with,” said Olsim.
But a tall order might be standing in front of Olsim.
Mezabarba has a 9-3 professional record and holds a win over former title contender Mei Yamaguchi in her ONE Championship debut.
Yet, Olsim is confident that her overall roundedness can overpower the superior striking of the Brazilian brawler.
“Mezabarba strikes me as a tough and driven athlete. I think her striking is superior but I won’t let that overshadow my strong will to win over her,” said Olsim.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
