Ev Ting isn't a name familiar to most Kiwis.
Ev Ting isn't a name familiar to most Kiwis.
But the Malaysian-born, Auckland-raised, young MMA star is a title contender in one of the largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisations in the world, 'One Championship'. During his two and a half years in the promotion, he's amassed an impressive six
wins with just one loss.
My crew and I arrive at Auckland's MMA headquarters where Ev is holding his first training camp in preparation for an upcoming fight. After a quick wrestle with Ev, in which I was completely outclassed, he ran me through his thoughts on the public perception of his sport and the role his sense of identity plays in his career.
Ev insists that while the sport is violent, on closer inspection, there are a number of benefits, including physical fitness, mental health and a form of spirituality unique to the sport. Ev uses MMA to promote his sense of being a 'global citizen', his disdain for division and a promotion of togetherness. All things which seem to contradict commonly held stereotypes of a blood-thirsty cagefighter.
So what does the sport of MMA stand for? A violent spectacle, only acceptable to a few, or an avenue for those who take part to find some peace and meaning in an ever-chaotic world? The reality remains that at the sport's core, it is hand-to-hand combat. And while MMA competitions can be difficult to watch, not everyone taking part ends up fighting in a cage.
