MMA: Ev Ting sees room for improvement ahead of a big 2019

MALAYSIAN martial arts icon Ev “E.T.” Ting is always motivated on becoming a better version of himself.

To him, life is a learning lesson, and 2018 has presented him with valuable lessons in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

“It’s been a good year with ONE Championship,” the lightweight contender says.

“It’s been a busy period, but I’m thankful for these opportunities. There is, of course, room for improvement in various departments, and I’m determined to be a better version of myself come next year.”

Ting started his year off against Ariel Sexton at ONE: QUEST FOR GOLD from the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar this past February.

“E.T.” delivered a courageous performance in the co-main event, just narrowly edging out the Costa Rican via split decision.

Four months later, he traveled to Macau and recorded his 16th career victory against former ONE Lightweight World Title challenger Koji Ando at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER.

“Ariel Sexton and Koji Ando were a perfect match to me. They are two tough guys,” Ting recalls.

“If a Malaysian kid from Auckland like me can beat former world champions through hard work and dedication, then anyone can.”

However, “E.T.” fell to former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki, who submitted the Malaysia-born Kiwi at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES in Bangkok, Thailand.

That may not have been his best memory, but Ting reflects on this year as a successful one because he has indeed competed with the world’s best lightweight mixed martial artists and defeated some of them.

“It is always my dream to compete at the highest level to test my skills and represent my stable, Auckland MMA, and my team,” he explains.

“To be able to do it full-time this year opened my eyes to improving my skills and the potential opportunities this career opens.”

Ting will have a packed schedule as soon as the promotion kicks off its 2019 calendar of events.

The Malaysian is set to compete in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix, which gets underway at ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS on Friday, 22 February at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“I’ve already started training camp for all the opponents in one night, so you can say I’m pretty excited,” he says.

But also, he is excited about the promotion's future, too.

“ONE has delivered [on] every annual projection, and 2019 is going to be another huge step forward to being the number one sports business in the world by 2020,” he continues.

“ONE is doing everything right with a huge team working hard every day to promote the sport and athletes. It’s great to be a small part of it all."