Ev switches mindset and is ready to take on Sexton

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian mixed martial artist (MMA) Ev Ting will take it one step at a time as he sets out to fight for the ONE Championship Lightweight title.

Ever since his defeat to Philippines’ Eduard Folayang in the ONE: Kings of Destiny in Manila last April, Ev has been hankering to get back into the cage for another title duel.

The 28-year-old showed his grit to bounce back from his loss to Folayang by beating former ONE welterweight champion Nobutatsu Suzuki at ONE: Quest for Greatness in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 21.

This time, Ev has a systematic plan to land the lightweight title.

The New Zealand-based fighter, who holds a 14-4 record, will inch closer for another shot at the title as he faces veteran Ariel Sexton at the ONE: Quest For Gold which is set to take place at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, on Feb 23.

“I’ve had a switch of mindset since the title fight and I’m more focused on myself and the tasks at hand.

“I feel this bout is easily a worthy title contention bout.

“My preparation has been good, I’ve spent the first four weeks working on conditioning and getting the game plan in Auckland. “I’m now in Bali to adapt to the climate. “I’m feeling confident and injury free, I can’t wait to test my skills against another true contender in the division.

“It’s always an honour to test my skills in another country to tick it off the bucket list.

“I’ve heard amazing things about the crowd in Yangon, so I hope they enjoy the show.”

The 36-year-old Sexton will be getting back into the ring after a two-year hiatus following a win over Roger Huerta at the ONE: Dynasty of Champions in 2016.

But Ev is not going to underestimate the grizzled grappler Sexton, who holds an 11-3 record.

“Sexton is a veteran. I’m sure he’ll adapt to the ring rust well once the bell rings.

“I’ll definitely be pushing the pace to capitalise on his slip-ups,” said Ev.