Former two-division World Champion Martin Nguyen has a prime opportunity to make another run toward the top of the ONE Championship featherweight division. On Sunday, January 28, the Vietnamese-Australian star takes on Garry Tonon in a huge contender’s bout at ONE 165. With the title unification bout set for March 1, it could wind up being a title eliminator.
To prepare for this chance to position himself atop the division, Nguyen had to sacrifice time with his family during the holidays. Nguyen made his way to Kill Cliff FC in Florida to prepare himself for Tonon. Although he was away from his wife and children, they are why he competes at the highest level.
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“Look, I just gotta think of it this way – I’m not in this sport forever. So, the time away, yes, it is a huge sacrifice. Huge sacrifice. But that’s only for the time being, you know? Every fight that I get, I have to make sure that I am the most well prepared, so there’s no excuses every single time, win or lose. It’s the example I want to set for my family and my kids as well,” Nguyen said to ONE.
After his failed attempt to win the gold, Tonon rebounded in a huge way. The American submitted Shamil Gasanov to turn away another rising star and keep himself in the hunt. The bout against Nguyen has always been highlighted for “The Lion Killer.”
Knowing the stylistic matchup at hand, Nguyen was willing to make the sacrifices for this match. But he knows he is not in this alone. He praises his wife for holding down the fort at home and keeping the daily life on track for the family.
“It’s somewhat easy for me because I know what needs to be done. The tough decision comes from my wife. She’s the one that has to deal and step up and be a double parent and look after three kids and going through their lives as well, running around and making sure their lives are on track, as well as hers. So, her life kind of like goes on pause to look after the kids, where it’s usually like a teamwork thing,” the Kill Cliff FC representative said.
It is that kind of support that fuels “The Situ-Asian.” Thanks to the technology of the age, he can remain in constant contact during the holiday season. Those advantages make the separation a little easier this time of year, but he also gets to spend time with his close friend and fellow training partner, Aung La N Sang.
“What does it look like? A lot of sleep during the festive time. Obviously, a lot of FaceTime phone calls over there and spending time over here with Aung La’s family. So, I kind of get to enjoy their side of Christmas and their families getting together. It’s one big family.”
With the matchup quickly approaching, the sacrifices are nearly complete. Nguyen will be heading to Tokyo, Japan, for the bout and then onward home after the result. He is focused on doing everything he can to bring a win back with him.
“As I said, a lot of FaceTime with my family and making sure I keep up with everything that’s going on over there, that my wife’s been running. It’s a bit full-on, but yeah, I don’t really kind of get to think of it. I just kind of get as much rest as possible, getting ready for the next training session, because that’s the reason why I’m here,” Nguyen said.
ONE 165 airs live from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The event goes down on Sunday, January 28. The action is available on global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com.
