From the poverty-stricken area of Samarinda, on the island of Borneo, Eko Roni Saputra (now 31) aims to bring honour to his homeland of Indonesia through his wrestling and striking prowess.
Born May 2nd, 1991, this Indonesian Flyweight’s first practice of the martial arts came at the age of five, when he took up boxing before dedicating his time to wrestling. Saputra became a natural in his new sport, winning multiple championships.
Riding on the waves of his silver and bronze medal wins at the Southeast Asian Games, Saputra opted for MMA as the next step in his athletic career.
Relocating to Singapore, Saputra joined the Evolve Fight Team in a big step to becoming the next best thing in MMA.
The silver medallist made his ONE Championship debut in April 2019 against Niko Soe. Although Saputra came up short due to a first round TKO loss, via doctor stoppage, he would bounce back into the game with a six-fight winning streak.
From 2019 to 2022, the silver medallist has racked up a perfect 100% winning streak of first-round finishes (2 knockouts and 4 submissions).
With some highly versatile skills in his arsenal, this Indonesian warrior looks set to follow the success of his team’s former champions; Ben Askren, Shinya Aoki, Alex Silva, Christian Lee, Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, Angela Lee and Jingnan Xiong for the world Championship.
So, with his colourful history covered, it’s time to wrestle our way through Eko Roni Saputra’s Top 5 MMA Finishes! (in descending order)
5. Ramon Gonzalez – ONE: Inside the Matrix 2 (Nov. 6, 2020)
Only a month since his victory over Murugan Silvarajoo, Saputra fought against Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzalez, who was carrying a 4-3 record and coming off a UD loss to Hexigetu.
Saputra tried to get the takedown early on in round 1, but Gonzalez had control over reach and distance, even throwing a body kick for the wrestler’s troubles.
The Indonesian wrestler shot for the double leg again with a better grip on “The Bicolano”. Although it seemed Gonzalez was able to defend himself for the long run, it was only a matter of time before the silver medallist finally scored the takedown.
Gonzalez tried to get back to his feet, but Saputra controlled “The Bicolano” back to the ground and into side control.
Transitioning from half guard to full guard, Saputra began to drop some serious elbows and hammer fists.
“The Bicolano” used every ounce of strength to get up, only to leave his back open for Saputra to seize the opportunity for a rear naked choke.
It didn’t take long for Gonzalez to submit, forcing the referee to stop the contest at 4:07 of round 1, making this the longest fight of the twenty nine year-old’s career.
4. Khon Sichan – ONE: Warrior’s Code (Feb. 7, 2020)
After scoring the first TKO win of his career (at a whopping 19 seconds), Eko Roni Saputra began the new decade taking on Cambodian native, Khon Sichan.
Within 20 seconds of round 1, the silver medallist displayed high quality wrestling, scoring an explosive takedown, and showcasing incredible strength by lifting his opponent back to his feet before bringing him down for a second time.
On full mount position, Saputra attempted a key lock. On failing to secure the lock, Saputra resorted to elbow strikes before working his way to an arm triangle choke that unfortunately failed to seal the deal.
Third time’s a charm, however, as Saputra succeeded in locking in the rear naked choke for the submission win at 3:45 into round 1.
The victory marked Saputra’s first submission win in his MMA career with a remarkable display of control and patience.
3. Chan Rothana – ONE: Lights Out (Mar. 11, 2022)
In an effort to further his winning ways, Saputra took on thirty six year-old Chan Rothana. Rothana was coming into the fight looking to make up for his latest knockout loss by stopping Saputra’s winning streak dead in its tracks.
In the beginning of round 1, Chan thought he had the edge with his kicks, but it would be Saputra who would pressure the Cambodian fighter by connecting some solid blows to the head, before taking him down with the double leg.
After working his way from half guard to Chan’s back, the wrestling silver medallist went for the rear naked choke. Although Chan made a valiant effort to return to his feet while carrying the Indonesian on his back, Saputra kept the choke tight and his legs wrapped firmly.
When Chan decided to drop Saputra on his back, it didn’t loosen the silver medallist’s choke hold. Chan eventually caved in, tapping out at 1:34 into round 1.
2. Murugan Silvarajoo – ONE: Reign of Dynasties (Oct. 9, 2020)
Eight months after scoring his second win for ONE Championship, the silver medallist was scheduled to face Malaysian fighter, Murugan “The Wolverine” Silvarajoo who was making his ONE Championship debut with a 3-1 pro MMA record.
Beginning round 1, Saputra caught the more experienced striker off guard by pressuring him back against the cage with overwhelming strikes.
After an onslaught of punches, the Indonesian wrestler opted for a double leg, scoring the takedown.
Once he gained side control, Saputra once again surprised everyone by securing a key lock with his own feet, forcing Silvarajoo to concede.
The contest was over at 2:29 of round 1, declaring Saputra the winner via submission due to a very creative key lock.
Saputra may be known as a first-class wrestler, but we must not forget about his boxing experience when he was just a boy; that coupled with his creative grappling prowess both serving his capability as a complete fighter.
1. Liu Peng Shuai – ONE: Battleground 2 (Aug. 13, 2021)
Looking to extend his winning streak to 5, the Indonesian native fought 9-8 Chinese fighter, Liu Peng Shuai.
Round 1 got underway, but as Liu was struggling to close the distance earlier on, a thunderous right hand from Saputra to Liu’s jaw caused him to drop to the canvas, and at a blazing 10 seconds into round 1, it was “Goodnight Irene!”
This would be Saputra’s quickest and most impressive win to date.
