Cambodian MMA star Sor Sey ready for ‘war’

Cambodian MMA star Sor Sey works the ground and pound on compatriot Chim Chetra at ONE: Kingdom of Khmer in December 2015. Pha Lina

Cambodian mixed martial artist Sor Sey today said he is ready for “war” as he gears up for his featherweight bout with home favourite Phoe Thaw at ONE: Quest for Gold in Myanmar on Friday night.

“This fight will be a war because my opponent is tough and has the warrior spirit to never give up. I do too, so it will be a battle of who has the bigger heart,” told The Post from his training camp in Yangon.

“I feel well prepared for this fight. I have worked a lot on different parts of my game, especially my weaknesses, so I can be a more well rounded fighter.“

Sey, 36, is an experienced Khun Khmer fighter with an impressive record in MMA, with three wins, including on his professional ONE debut in 2015 when he knocked out countryman Chim Chetra at ONE: Kingdom of Khmer, and just one loss.

For Friday’s fight at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, the Kandal province native said: “I am not nervous and I am really ready for the fight.”

Sey, who departed for Myanmar on Monday, has spent more than a month preparing for this fight, with his training sessions with coach Hun Chan Reach at Phnom Penh’s Cambodian Top Team gym mainly focusing on both ground work and striking.

The veteran fighter said: “I fully respect my opponent because he is really strong and has a lot of power. But I will use all my techniques to beat him. If he wants to fight on the ground, I will be happy to do so, and I will not let myself fall into any traps.”

When asked of his strategy for the bout, Sey said: “I will not try to attack him first but wait for my chances. I will not let him control me and wait to see what he does before I move in.”

As one of the best fighters in Myanmar, Phoe Thaw holds flawless record of five wins from his five professional fights in ONE Championship, with four of them coming via TKO.

The 33 year-old spent time training in Phnom Penh at Cambodian ONE star Chan Rothana’s Selapak gym in the capital, and the kun Khmer hero will be in Phoe Thaw’s corner on Friday night.

Cambodian Top Team coach Chan Reach, who is with Sey in Yangon, told The Post: “I think this will be one of the most interesting fights on the night because they are both at a similar level. I am confident Sey will do well after training with me for more than a month for this fight.”

MOST VIEWED

Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games
From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the
Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat
Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to
Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste
Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one
PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations
Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while
Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1
A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the
Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24
The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.