Winning on a debut performance on level 6 TFC (Thailand Fighting Championship) is a remarkable victory for Kasun De Silva. Within two minutes in the ring, he was able to ‘submit’ his opponent.
By Swetha Ratnajothi.
Kasun De Silva brought pride and honor to the country by defeating Thailand MMA Veteran Wisawa Kaveevaragon on a Bantamweight 61kg. He secured this win by applying the ‘triangle technique’ (as in jiu-jitsu), which involves locking the opponent’s head and arms, and ‘arm bar’ techniques to defeat his opponent.
Thailand Fighting Championship looks to promote MMA in Thailand and South East Asia, and it is an emerging league with pro and amateur categories. Kasun De Silva played under the pro MMA category and took over his opponent within a short time, revealing his quick skills and talent.
The sixth edition of the TFC saw the participation of ten countries, including Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Japan, with a combination of well-qualified strikers and good wrestlers.Speaking to Kasun about his achievement, he said: This is my first international championship. Winning this makes me work harder and smarter towards my ultimate dream of being part of the One Championship (Asia’s most prominent sports platform for martial arts) one day.” Kasun’s interest in martial arts started earlier when he learned Wado Kai in grade five. Since 2014, he has been practicing wrestling and jiu-jitsu, and with Dr. Haren Wijesinghe’s support, he has learned more about grappling. Kasun’s interest in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) grew stronger in 2016, and he paid attention to ‘striking’, judo and kickboxing. Kasun states that he had the opportunity to receive training and techniques from some national and international professionals. “This high level of training is also key to my winning.”
Kasun is determined and never rests for a day. He ensures that he dedicates at least 10-15 minutes to his daily workouts, whether after work, after a party, or after any occasion. This arduous mindset and positive thinking have garnered him success in his debut fight. He believes in this life-changing opportunity and feels blessed to have support from his family, office colleagues, management, gym mates, and all international and national professionals who have trained and supported him.
“This is my first international championship. Winning this makes me work harder and smarter towards my ultimate dream of being part of the One Championship (Asia’s most prominent sports platform for martial arts) one day.”
Talking to Kasun about his experience in the championship, Kasun said, “I got this opportunity from Will Chope when he was on a visit to the island on vacation. Will Chope is one of my biggest inspirations, and I am grateful for his guidance and motivation. He is a pro fighter with over 100 pro fights record and a former UFC veteran and is currently engaged in organizing the TFC league. He encouraged me to take part in this match, and after winning my debut match, I feel the hunger to earn more winning streaks.”
On this delightful occasion, Kasun was promoted to jiu-jitsu blue belt in the same ring by Will Chope, making it a double achievement for Kasun de Silva.
Working at Avalon, A P ENTERPRISES, for 12 years, Kasun has dedicated his off-time to practices and workouts. Kasun feels proud to share his achievement with the support of Zohair Mohamedally, Chairman, A P ENTERPRISES; Rosharn Amarasinghe, Chief Executive Officer, House of Champions Fight Soul MMA and Champions Combat Entertainment; Divoshan Fernando, National Wrestling Champion; Srimal Rodrigo, Asian Combat Sambo Bronze Medalist; Avalon Team and Fight Soul Team.
Kasun had the opportunity to train with several Sri Lankan and International professionals, including practicing kickboxing with Srimal Rodrigo, Asian Combat Sambo Bronze Medalist, Polish jiu-jitsu fighter Maciej Grzelak, Divoshan Fernando, Wrestling coach and champion, and Kunchana Ranasinghe, Black Belt in Judo. Kasun personally makes an effort to approach several international pro players during their visit to the island to train and practice with them.
“Much focus and IQ on point is required. Therefore, it is not a matter of muscle power; mind power is also required to apply the right techniques on time,” says Kasun. He pays attention to consistent dedication to workouts and ensures he carries a positive outlook even during the most challenging days.
“Practicing cardio, daily workouts, and training are key to my success. Since MMA is a combination of wrestling, kickboxing, and a wide- ranging of fighting techniques, including striking, kicking, sparring, and grappling, one needs to pay attention to learning various skills and applying them in the ring within that short period with the opponent. That is the sporting spirit.”
Despite making a debut win, Kasun stated that usually, fighters have the opportunity to practice with their opponents in the ring ahead of the match. But making it with a flight delay, arriving on the day of the match in Thailand, and winning the game left some of the audience awe-struck, who was impressed and questioned Kasun, “How did you win with fewer resources in Sri Lanka?” Stirring with all these thoughts and his passion, Kasun De Silva concludes with determination, “I will not rest until I put Sri Lanka on the international MMA map.”
Will Chope presenting Kasun De Silva the blue belt.
A proud moment after winning.
Kasun applies the triangle technique.
