Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol Excited To Stand And Trade In Jakarta

The powerful Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol will be back in action in her hometown of  Jakarta, Indonesia this Saturday, 17 November.

“Thathie,” who has never lost in front of her fans, will square off against undefeated Filipina Angelie “D Explorer” Sabanal at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM, which takes place at the Istora Stadium.

The 30-year-old has been ONE Championship’s busiest competitor this year, with five bouts already in 2018, but she is confident she has saved her best performance for last.

She has not considered any outcome other than a victory in front of her compatriots.

“I am taking on my busy year with a joyful heart. I am very happy. I am only constantly thinking on how to win my fights,” she says.

“My job is only to train, train, and train to be a champion. I feel good about myself, and I am hoping that God continues to entrust me with more victories in my future bouts.”

The former SEA Games wushu bronze medalist has supercharged her training schedule ahead of this bout in her home nation’s capital – practicing up to three times a day to make sure her rapid rise through the atomweight ranks continues.

Her efforts were evident in her last contest, as she earned a unanimous decision to hand Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres the first defeat of her career at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES.

She was dominant in the striking exchanges, and though Torres was expected to have the advantage on the mat, it was Lumban Gaol who had the most success when she needed to grapple.

“The most important thing is to train and give the rest to God,” says the Siam Training Camp representative.

“At the time, my game plan was to strike and anticipate any takedowns. I had no special tricks and was only anticipating her takedowns. Thank God that everything worked as planned.”

However, Lumban Gaol reveals there was one mistake she made during the bout.

“After seven times entering the cage at ONE Championship, this was the only moment where my coach was angry for not following their instructions in there,” she recalls.

Against Sabanal, “Thathie” knows she needs to follow her corner’s instructions to the letter to come out with her fifth victory of the year.

She has formulated a strategy with her team, which will focus on her greatest strength – her striking – but she is prepared for anything.

“It all depends on the momentum on how I am going to win this fight,” Lumban Gaol explains.

I will definitely rain down my strikes first, and if she’s able to counter, I’ll shift to the ground game.”

The Indonesian has watched her opponent and has noticed Sabanal’s fast and powerful strikes. However, “Thathie” has also seen the 28-year-old often steps back after she throws, which Lumban Gaol says she can capitalize on.

Lumban Gaol is driven to make her home country and audience proud, and a victory this Saturday will ensure she goes into 2019 as Indonesia’s most in-form mixed martial arts star.

That could mean even bigger things are in store for “Thathie” next year.

“I constantly pray for more victories. I am only practicing to win and make everyone around me proud,” she says.

“I am aiming for more achievement by the end of this year and the next. I want to bring home trophies every time I enter the cage, and I am going with the flow.

“If I am entrusted to take on the ONE Atomweight World Champion, I would be thrilled!”