2019’s very first social media challenge has officially commenced. The #10YearChallenge has gotten politicians to world-renowned celebrities and athletes sharing a throwback picture of themselves from 2009 next to a recent one on social media. ONE Championship’s finest Malaysian martial artists have joined in on the fun, too. The results? Well, judge for yourself. These world-class athletes were just as cute before, but beware — somewhere along those smiles lies a very skilled mixed martial artist or Muay Thai practitioner.
#1 Ann “Athena” Osman
The former ONE strawweight took to social media to share her #10YearChallenge.
When asked what she would tell her 22-year-old self, the Sabahan athlete replied: “Be wary of your journey.”
“If I could travel back in time, I would tell myself that you are going to become a professional mixed martial artist and an entrepreneur, and you are going to do awesome stuff,” she ambitiously said.
“But the journey is not going to be easy and sometimes it’ll feel [tough], but as long as you don’t give up, trust the hardships and it will make you bounce higher.”
The 32-year-old admitted her initial reaction was filled with a tinge of shock.
“Who on earth is that?” she joked.
#2 Agilan Thani
Former ONE Welterweight World Title challenger Agilan “Alligator” Thani has participated in the fad, too.
The Monarchy MMA athlete has emerged on the global stage with his sublime game, but his teenage self never imagined he would be in the position he is today.
He went from the rough streets of Sentul to working at Monarchy, and years later, became a top contender in ONE’s welterweight division. Not only that, but he lost a copious amount of weight through martial arts training, transforming himself from obese teenager to lean, mean fighting machine.
There is no stopping this “Alligator.”
#3 Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud
Malaysia’s Muay Thai sensation Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud was taken aback when he saw a photo of himself from 10 years ago.
“I felt like laughing when I looked at these pictures,” he said. “My style and how I look has definitely changed.”
This throwback picture could offer him more motivation come 25 January, when he participates at ONE: HERO’S ASCENT in Manila, Philippines.
The ONE Super Series Muay Thai bantamweight athlete will take on Japan’s Hiroaki Suzuki in a match set to ignite the Mall Of Asia Arena.
#4 Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan
Atomweight sensation Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan has changed quite a bit over the years.
Then only a 10-year-old, she has now grown into a person destined for success on the global stage.
The 20-year-old athlete admitted she has undergone some major transformations, but said her smile still remains the same.
“I think I still have a cute smile,” she explained.
Catch her smile again when ONE returns to Bangkok, Thailand on 16 February for ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS. The Ultimate MMA Academy star will face her toughest test to date against Team Lakay’s Gina Iniong.
In case you are wondering, Jihin is the middle one in the top picture.
#5 Peter “The Pistol” Davis
Peter Davis may be 37 years old now, but he does not look his age.
He maintains a healthy lifestyle despite a packed scheduled through martial arts and cycling.
“The Pistol” is yearning for a return to ONE by June, and we cannot wait to see him back in the cage.
#6 Ev “E.T.” Ting
With great determination comes Ev “E.T” Ting, the former ONE Lightweight World Title challenger.
The half-Kiwi half-Malaysian athlete said he has grown into a better individual thanks to martial arts.
He also shared what qualities have changed over the years. “I have a lot more inner peace, patience, and confidence.”
Ting will compete against Saygid “Dagi” Guseyn Arslanaliev in a ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix quarter-final at ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS in Singapore on 22 February.
