Jeka Saragih: Story of the new star for MMA in Indonesia

Jeka Saragih, born on January 1, 1995, is an Indonesian mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Hailing from Bah Pasunsang, Raya, Simalungun, North Sumatra, Jeka holds the distinction of being the first Indonesian to qualify for the final of Road to the UFC.

Jeka's journey into the world of martial arts began in 2013 when he started training in Wushu. His talent quickly became evident, as he won the national championship in Yogyakarta and had the honor of representing North Sumatra in the National Sports Week. Despite his demanding work schedule, Jeka remained dedicated to honing his skills, leading him to become an apprentice at Yakop Sutjipto's Batam Fighter Club (BFC) gym.

Fighting at ONE Pride MMA

In April 2017, Jeka achieved a significant milestone in his career by winning the One Pride Lightweight championship. He secured the title by defeating the reigning champion, Ngapdi Mulidy, via TKO in the first round. Jeka successfully defended his title four times, showcasing his dominance in the division. However, in February 2020, he suffered a setback when he was submitted in the fourth round by Angga Hans via rear naked choke, resulting in the loss of his championship.

Undeterred, Jeka bounced back with two consecutive victories, regaining his momentum in the lightweight division. His skills and resilience earned him the opportunity to compete for the Interim Lightweight Championship against Hatoropan Simbolon. Jeka seized the moment and emerged victorious with a second-round TKO stoppage, adding another accolade to his growing list of achievements.

The Road to UFC journey

Continuing his journey, Jeka faced Pawan Maan Singh in the Quarter-Finals of the Lightweight tournament in Road to UFC: Episode 2 on June 9, 2022. The bout showcased his tenacity and skill as he secured a thrilling victory in the third round, knocking out Singh with a spectacular spinning back fist.

In the Semi-Finals of the Lightweight tournament, Jeka encountered Ki Won Bin on October 23, 2022, at Road to UFC: Episode 5. Displaying his prowess, he swiftly finished the fight in the first round with a knockout, solidifying his place in the tournament finals.

The highly anticipated tournament finals took place on February 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak, where Jeka faced off against Anshul Jubli. Although he fought valiantly, Jeka was defeated via technical knockout in the second round, bringing an end to his Road to the UFC journey.

Despite the loss, Jeka Asparido Saragih has proven himself to be a rising star in the Indonesian MMA scene. His talent, determination, and commitment to honing his skills have garnered attention and respect within the martial arts community. As Jeka continues to evolve and grow as a fighter, fans eagerly anticipate his future endeavours and the impact he will undoubtedly make in the world of mixed martial arts.

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