Nou Srey Pov Says She Needs More Than Raw Power To Win In Jakarta

One of the most exciting new additions to ONE Championship’s women’s atomweight roster will be back in action at ONE: FOR HONOR as she attempts to build on a stunning debut.

In February, Cambodia’s Nou Srey Pov made a massive statement when she dominated Thai mixed martial arts star Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS in her hometown of Bangkok.

Next Friday, 3 May, the young striking phenom will look to spoil the party once again when she steps into the ring against Jakarta’s own Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol at the Istora Senayan in the Indonesian capital.

The year 2019 has already been monumental for Srey Pov. By getting a chance to perform on the global stage for martial arts, her skills were exposed to millions of martial arts fans around the world.

When the Kun Khmer World Champion put on that amazing display and got her hand raised, she became a superstar in her homeland.

“ONE Championship has changed my life so much since my debut,” Srey Pov says.

“When I won in [World Lethwei Championship], not many people knew about me, but now it is very different. Wherever I go, people recognize me.”

Now, the 24-year-old is determined to build on her success and continue to change her life for the better in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Her next challenge is to take out a two-time Wushu World Championship medalist who will be backed by a partisan hometown crowd.

However, that does not concern Srey Pov. If her sophomore appearance in The Home Of Martial Arts is anything like her first, she will draw on the energy from the fans – whether they are cheering for her or not.

“What I remember the most during that evening in Bangkok is [getting my hand raised] in my very first mixed martial arts bout,” Srey Pov recalls.

“I will always remember the atmosphere in the arena.”

The former garment worker will not just rely on motivation from the crowd, she will also make sure she is well prepared for another dangerous opponent.

The young Cambodian may have fast and powerful striking, but her 30-year-old rival has also proven her knockout ability in ONE.

Lumban Gaol is also well versed on the ground, so Srey Pov says she will have to stick to a carefully-orchestrated game plan to get the victory.

“[Lumban Gaol] is a great fighter, and she has a lot of experience in ONE Championship,” she adds.

“I have watched her videos, and I know she has a lot of power. To beat her, I will use strategy rather than physical strength.”

“I don’t think about the possible results. As I see it, the fight is 50/50.”

Though she will not be drawn on a prediction, Srey Pov carries a quiet confidence thanks to having more time to prepare for her second bout on the global stage, and her experience from 101 Kun Khmer contests – including 91 victories.

This time, she also knows she will step under ONE’s bright lights knowing that she now has the full support of “The Kingdom of Wonder” behind her.

With so many people in Cambodia now aware of her career, Srey Pov is determined to put on a show once again, make her fans proud, and inspire a new generation of young women.

“To Cambodia and all of my supporters, I just want to say that I will try my very best in this fight,” she says.