The first season of The Ultimate Fighter television series inspired many kids to pursue the growing sport, with a dream to one day be competing inside the Octagon. One of those kids was Gianni Subba. An undefeated flyweight under the One FC banner, the 21-year old Subba made his professional mixed martial arts debut over a year ago at One FC 6: Rise of Kings, where he scored an incredibly impressive knockout over hometown favorite Bruce Loh just 33 seconds into the fight. Subba caught Loh with a counter left hook, and then followed up with a devastating soccerkick that put the Singaporean out cold. Not even with a minute of cage time under his belt as a professional fighter, this young Malaysian had made a fan out of me. His debut was so impressive that One FC matchmakers immediately booked him for the promotion’s next card, One FC 7: Return of Warriors, where he took on the then-undefeated Saiful Merican. Subba’s second pro fight proved that his debut was no fluke, as he used his superior ground game to dominate his fellow countryman in front of a hometown Malaysian crowd. Subba displayed incredible speed and striking against Loh, and against Merican, he showed that his wrestling and jiu-jitsu are just as good. The 21-year old started the first round with a beautiful takedown, and poured on devastating ground and pound, while continuously advancing position. It was more of the same in the second frame, until he ultimately transitioned to mount, then into an armbar for the tap. Not only did Subba display a solid offensive ground game that compliments his excellent striking, but he also showcased impressive defense, as he defended submissions, and nullified Merican’s ground and pound from the little time he did spend on his back. Subba last saw action two months ago at One FC 12: Warrior Spirit, where he took on a former training partner and fellow prospect in Yun Ting Chen, who was 1-0 heading into the bout. Subba stalked his prey on the feet, then closed the distance and secured a takedown. Chen had good defense and was active off his back, but Subba’s vicious ground and pound proved to be too much. Stopping Chen with heavy elbows on the mat, Subba moved to 3-0 and became the first flyweight to win three fights under the One FC banner. More importantly, he became the flyweight I would most like to see in the UFC. Training out of Phuket Top Team in Thailand, the Malaysian is a very well-rounded mixed martial artist who could immediately make an impact in the UFC’s flyweight division. Subba is very fast, has excellent footwork, and he is great in every facet of the sport. Not to mention he is constantly improving, and at only 21 years of age, the sky is the limit. Having only had three professional fights, Subba does not have much cage experience. However, I think he would be a tough out for anyone at 125 pounds. I would love to see the UFC sign Subba, and then see him climb up the promotion’s flyweight ladder, towards a possible title shot someday. Keep your eyes peeled, Sean Shelby.
