Menpora Sees The Potential Of MMA Sports In Indonesia Can Develop More

Menpora Dito Ariotedjo (left) draped the One Pride MMA flying class champion belt to Suwardi. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - Mixed martial arts (MMA) mix in Indonesia is believed to have the potential to develop more. In fact, it is not impossible that MMA athletes can record achievements in the international arena.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo. He said this sport could be included in the potential cluster so that athletes could have careers at the international level.

"That's what I said that we can include this MMA as a cluster that has potential and at the international level already has a soap opera called the UFC," said the Menpora.

Especially now that there is an Indonesian fighter who has a career at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a prestigious MMA event in the world. He is Jeka Saragih.

"I have conveyed to Mr. Ketum (KOBI), this is a potential for One Pride because God willing, next year the UFC will compete in Indonesia," he added, quoted from Antara.

Accompanied by the General Chair of the Indonesian Self-Defense Sports Committee (KOBI) Anindra Ardiansyah Bakrie, the Menpolomenaksikan the main match of One Pride MMA 72 between Suwardi and Aditya Ginting at Mahaka Square Kelapa Gading Jakarta, Saturday, September 9.

While watching the match from the VVIP bench, Menpora Dito seemed to enjoy the fight. The duel ended five rounds with an absolute number victory for Suwardi.

The fighter nicknamed Becak Lawu is still unstoppable as the flyingweight king (flyweight 56.7kg) at One Pride MMA.

"Mas Suwardi has a strong defense, never gives up. Even though in the end, Mas Suwardi won it," he said.