Dwi Ani Retno Wulan Expects To Prevail In Battle Of Strikers

After claiming an impressive victory in her ONE Championship debut, Indonesia’s Dwi Ani Retno Wulan is looking to build some momentum with another win in a battle of strikers.

The state Muay Thai champion from Rembang, Central Java returns to action at ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR in Manila, where she is set to face Bi “Killer Bee” Nguyen in a fast-paced women’s strawweight contest.

Wulan’s second appearance in a ONE Championship event represents something of a landmark for the 20-year-old prospect, as it will be her first bout outside her home nation.

“I am very grateful and proud to represent my country abroad,” she says.

“This is my first time competing in a foreign land. Since I am representing Indonesia, I will show my best game plan and performance.”

Wulan captured victory on her ONE Championship debut at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM when she outpointed Putri “Ami” Padmi over three grueling rounds at the Stadium Istora in Jakarta.

Her unanimous decision victory showed the rising star’s skilled striking. He background in boxing and Muay Thai was evident as she picked her opponent apart with well-chosen punches, kicks, and knees throughout a back-and-forth contest.

And ahead of her upcoming bout with Nguyen, Wulan says she is even better prepared for the fray as she gets ready to step out under the lights for the second time in her young career.

“I have prepared well in comparison to my debut match in November,” she explained.

“I think my opponent has a similar fighting style as me, so I just need to be extra careful when attacking – as well as taking her down onto the canvas.

“I don’t have any particular game plan I could share, but my coach and my team from Han Fight Academy have planned well for this first performance abroad.”

Wulan will concede a significant experience advantage to her opponent, with Nguyen set to compete in her eighth professional contest.

However, the Indonesian says she has rounded out her skillset to ensure she has the edge and can put “Killer Bee” where she feels she is weakest.

“Bi Nguyen is purely a striker, not a grappler,” she explains.

“In this case, I have sharpened my grappling skills. I have prepared much better than I did for my debut match-up.”

Wulan’s passion to learn new skills and evolve as a martial artist was also seen in her debut, as she enjoyed plenty of success controlling her rival on the mat, and attacking with ground and pound.

Her victory in her first match-up on the global stage for martial arts was the next step in her journey after she tried her hand in amateur mixed martial arts tournaments and provincial-level Muay Thai competition.

Now she has made it to the global stage and proved she is not overawed by the pressure, Wulan says her career aim is clear – go all the way to the top, and she is beyond confident a victory in Manila on 12 April will put her on her way.

“I am certain to gain victory in this match,” she adds.

”The only reason why I wanted to join ONE Championship was that I want to be one of the best female fighters in ONE.

“In the long term, I would want to compete in a massive event such as the latest one in Japan. My motivation is to become a worthy competitor in front of my fellow athletes – probably similar to Xiong Jing Nan or Angela Lee.

“In this bout, I simply expect to win in the Philippines.”