3 reasons why Jordan Boy will leave Manila victorious

THE crowd at ONE: Destiny Of Champions in Kuala Lumpur was electrified after Mohammed Mahmoud’s stunning first-round knockout victory against Stergos 'Greek Dynamite' Mikkios last month.

'Jordan Boy' quickly became a fan favorite, and he will look to improve on his 31-2 record when he meets Hiroaki 'Kaibutsukun' Suzuki at ONE: Hero's Ascent in Manila, Philippines on Friday, 25 January.

Here are three reasons why we believe the 22-year-old athlete will extend his win streak in ONE Championship.

#1 A dominant puncher

Mohammed’s aggressive Muay Thai style is obvious. He utilizes an array of punching combinations, and follows up with circling and ring control tactics.

He is a prime example of what basic Muay Thai techniques can achieve in the ring or cage, based on his last victory.

Setting the pace in the first round against Mikkios with a flurry of jabs and kicks, “Jordan Boy” connected with a huge right elbow to his face, which instantly zapped the Greek’s confidence. He finished him off moments later.

That victory proved he is not just a one-dimensional attacker, but he can be highly adaptive to his opponents.

#2 A level-headed challenger

Adopting a cool and calm mindset is a major aspect of any martial art.

A quick glance at Mohammed’s previous battles shows he possesses commendable traits of a level-headed athlete, despite only having five years of experience.

In and out of the ring, “Jordan Boy” boasts a cool and calm mindset, and he exemplifies the true Nak Muay spirit where he does not battle out of anger.

He has shown true heart in all 31 of his victories.

#3 A knockout hunter

Despite the stereotype of Muay Thai being an art of stand-and-hit, not all athletes gun for knockouts — especially in the first round.

Anyone who watches traditional battles in 'the art of eight limbs' knows the first round is usually reserved for low energy strikes (jabs, teeps, low kicks) in hopes to probe the opponent’s game plan.

Jordan Boy capitalizes over this orthodox strategy and traditional mindset by gelling it together with power versions of these low energy strikes. Instead of probing the opponent, he throws power jabs and rear leg teeps to offset his rival’s balance before moving in for the knockout.

Mohammed has enough in his ammo to leave the Mall Of Asia Arena with another victory, but he must be cautious of what Suzuki can bring to the global stage.