Keanu Subba’s world came crashing down in 2019 when he broke his left tibia and fibula in a bout against Ryogo Takahashi in Jakarta.
Although he returned to ONE Championship a year later, he lacked confidence, lost, and took a two-year break before returning to action this year.
Today, the 28-year-old mixed martial artist is eyeing a title shot after winning his last two fights.
Asked how much mental training he underwent, the featherweight said: “A lot of it. After I was injured, I was not sure I could return to the cage.”
“I struggled to do the basic training, and there was no explosiveness in my legs. My reaction time was also poor.”
Subba attempted a comeback in 2020 but suffered a defeat at the hands of China’s Kai Tang at One Championship Reign of Dynasties 2.
That crushed his confidence further. He took time off to heal and get his head back in the game.
That was when his elder brother Gianni, a mixed-martial artist himself, became the driving force in Keanu’s life.
“Gianni helped me a lot. He told me to stop doubting myself,” said Subba.
“I was doubting my ability and felt I could not get back to where I was before. But we kept working on our mental strength, and I finally returned to action this year.”
And what a comeback it has been, as Subba won fights against James Yang of the United States in April, and Singapore’s Amir Khan, two months ago.
He is now eyeing a world title, but first, the Malaysian has to overcome South Korean featherweight Yoon Chang-min at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday.
Keanu is one of two Malaysians – the other is Agilan ‘The Alligator’ Thani – on the ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs Andrade card.
The main bout will see Fabricio ‘Wonder Boy’ Andrade facing ONE Bantamweight world champion, John ‘Hands of Stone’ Lineker.
“It was not until my fight against Amir that I knew I had returned to my best,” said Subba, the son of a Nepali father and Malaysian mother.
“I am excited about the upcoming match-up, as the last time I fought at home was in 2018.
“My goal is to fight for the world title within the next two years. My time on the ONE Championship stage has been incredible for my career. I am getting better every day.”
Separately, Agilan, who fought for a world title in 2017, will face German welterweight, Ilja Stojanov.
Now married and expecting his first child, Agilan said: “This is a tough career. When we go on stage, we are putting ourselves on the line. We have to be prepared all the time.
“When I go on stage, performance is always key, and I will deliver this Saturday.”
To purchase tickets for ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs Andrade, click here.
