Hailing from Tianjin, China, Li Kai Wen, 22, fought in ONE Championship between December 19, 2014 and July 2, 2016. The Chinese mixed martial artist went on hiatus for more than a year and made a comeback on November 24, 2017 at “ONE: Immortal Pursuit” facing Ahmed “Wolverine” Mujtaba, 24, of Pakistan.
The bout between Li and Mujtaba at “ONE: Immortal Pursuit” was controversial. The Chinese contender was disqualified after a series of illegal blows to the back of his Pakistani opponent’s head stopped the match in the opening minutes of Round 1.
After “ONE: Immortal Pursuit,” Li is determined to redeemed himself. He was originally slated to face Rodian Menchavez, 23, of the Philippines in a three-round featherweight affair on the undercard of “ONE: Quest for Gold” on February 23, 2018. But because of an injury, Menchavez had to pull out and was replaced by his fellow Filipino fighter Roel “Akiyama” Rosauro, 29.
Li stressed that he has his previous outing firmly in the rearview mirror, justifying that the setback has not shaken his confidence. He noted, “I was born for tough situations.”
“Deep in my heart, I know I can turn this setback into triumph,” Li pointed out. “I am ready for anything.”
For Li, the bout against Rosauro at “ONE: Quest for Gold” is an opportunity for him to demonstrate to the fans that he has kept training. He said that he is still pursuing his dream of becoming a world champion.
“ONE: Quest for Gold” will take place at Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. The main event is a bout between ONE Middleweight World Champion La N Sang “The Burmese Python” Aung, 32, of Myanmar and Alexandre “Bebezao” Machado, 35, of Brazil for the vacant ONE Light Heavyweight World title.
CONAN Daily 