Elliot Compton faces a tough test at ONE: ‘Big Bang’ Part II which will be broadcast on Friday. The Brisbane based Australian faces Dutch legend Nieky Holzken.
A former Australian Muay Thai champion and Caged Muay Thai champion, Compton knows Holzken will be a very tough test but feels his unique and unusual style could enable him to get the win,
“I’ve watched Holzken for years now. I’ve followed his career closely as a fan and now as rival. He is [a] front foot fighter with power in both hands and legs. I have a unique style that is a blend of an eclectic range of martial arts that I’ve studied and I believe I can frustrate and confuse with this and get the win.”
Making history
Compton became the first Australian fighter to register a win on ONE Super Series, when he beat Matthew Semper on ONE: ‘Spirit of a Warrior’ back in June 2018. A loss to Cosmo Alexandre at ONE: ‘Heroes of Honor’ followed, before the fight sports world was thrown into turmoil by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He has enjoyed the experience of having fought in Manila and Yangon, and Compton is relishing life on the ONE Championship roster,
“I love fighting for ONE. I love the energy they bring during event week and I love how they’re bringing the sport of Muay Thai and kickboxing back to the mainstream audience. The organization is just a pleasure to work for.”
Two titles
At 31 years of age Compton still feels he has a lot to offer the sport and has his eyes set on two different ONE Championship titles before he finishes his career,
“I want to be the Super Series champion, Muay Thai and kickboxing.”
Holzken has challenged reigning lightweight kickboxing champion Regian Eersel twice and lost both fights. A win over the K-1 Max veteran would immediately establish Compton as one of the top challengers in the division.
More than ready
Compton feels it is his chance to show the kickboxing world who he is and what he can do but hasn’t ruled out a switch in code,
“My whole division is full of dream match ups. So many legends and so many greats. I’m happy to face every single person that they put in front of me. That’s what I’ve done my entire career and that’s what I’ll continue to do. But who knows, maybe we’ll venture into the MMA world one day soon too.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has made things difficult for fighters around the world. Compton has his own gym in Brisbane and says his preparations have been fine,
“I’ve been extremely lucky to live in an area where Covid has been kept under control. For us training has been all systems go with zero restrictions. We’ve trained the house down for this fight and have literally left every ounce of our souls in the training room every session. I’m more than ready for Friday night.”
