Wants To Return To Competition Because Inspired By Angela Lee, Priscila Hertati: Being A Mother Is Not A Reason To Stop Chasing Dreams

JAKARTA - The success of fighter Angela Lee in defending her ONE Women's Atomweight World Title at ONE X: Grand Finale in Singapore, on March 26, has been a source of inspiration for many women, including Indonesian MMA fighter Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol.

Thathie, Priscilla Hertati's nickname, said that the Singapore-United States fighter's struggle was extraordinary considering that she had just returned to the free-fight competition after two years ago announcing her pregnancy and giving birth to a daughter in 2021.

"I'm also automatically motivated to compete again. Besides Angela Lee, I also have a friend who is a wushu athlete. Now both of them are mothers and she has also proven that she can become a champion after giving birth," said Priscilla as quoted by Antara, Thursday.

"Angela Lee and Stamp are really passionate, yes. One wants to win and the other wants to defend. It seems that both of them are preparing well. Angela Lee is sharpening her striking because there are many changes (of her fighting style). Likewise with Stamp who succeeded out of Angela Lee's deadly lockdown," she added.

In fact, at first, Priscilla had doubts about Angela Lee's ability because she had been away from the arena for more than two years. During the same period, Stamp's career skyrocketed to the point of winning the ONE Women's Atomweight World Grand Prix tournament.

"The first thing that is most doubted by Angela Lee in my opinion is in terms of losing weight. Before she was pregnant, it was a bit difficult to lose weight. After having children, you have to pay more attention to your diet because it's for the sake of the baby," said Priscilla confirmed.

However, her discipline as a martial artist allowed Angela Lee to play two roles at once – being a mother and a world champion.

Related to this, Priscilla also targets to return to competition in the near future. Although there is no match schedule and names of opponents in ONE Championship, Priscilla admits that she is ready to face anyone in the atomweight division today.

"I don't have a certain name that I want to compete with. Actually, all athletes steal the attention. Everyone deserves to compete because if we compete with people who are far above us, it will be more challenging for us to practice," said the mother of one child.

In addition, the 33-year-old fighter wants to prove that having a family and being a mother is not an obstacle for her to pursue her career and dreams.

"I want to prove to people that being a mother is not the reason we stop reaching our dreams," concluded the former national wushu and kickboxing athlete.