Indonesia’s Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis will face one of his most formidable opponents to date in China’s Li Zhe in a strawweight bout at ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY on Friday, 12 July at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
When Mattheis first competed on the global stage, he was a striker with incredible knockout power. In the three years since he has evolved into a well-rounded mixed martial artist with an impressive professional record.
He is driven to continue his advancements as a martial artist because he believes it is important for him to be at the top of his game to overcome an amazing athlete like Li, whose victories have come from submissions.
“Our team has been preparing both the mental and physical aspects very well,” Mattheis said.
“I will be going against a wrestler, so we have been developing more sprawling techniques. Our next game plan includes a strategy to stand up and strike.”
Mattheis also shared that he improved his training routine to become more agile and powerful when he faces the ONE Warrior Series prospect.
“I have also started Crossfit and worked on my endurance with a 10-kilometer run after each practice session,” he explained.
“I have trained strength and conditioning as usual, and my additional [wrestling practice] and running will enhance it. Fans really should watch the fight in Kuala Lumpur, so everyone knows that Indonesia is home to many good athletes,” he added.
Mattheis has been a long-time fan favorite at ONE event in his homeland, but he welcomes the opportunity to travel to Indonesia’s neighboring country of Malaysia and put on a show.
The two countries are normally fierce sporting rivals, but the “Papua Badboy” hopes he can drum up support from the local fans.
“It will be my first ever fight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” he concluded. “Indonesia and Malaysia have long been holding this rivalry over many things, but I would like to prove that both nations can also maintain peace with sporting events like this.”
