KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 ― Malaysia's MMA queen Ann “Athena” Osman called it a day, announcing her retirement via social media shortly before midnight.
The 31-year-old Sabahan ― a much loved hero, a fighter, a warrior, and inspiration to all ― retires with a 5-4 professional record.
She posted this on Facebook; “With a heavy heart, I have officially retired from my pro fighting days, a career I took on in exchange of a stable corporate career (at that time) which led to an amazing 4 and half years of fighting in the @onechampionship cage.”
An emotional post, but we understand why ― her rise to fame in Malaysia was a remarkable one.
In the country where MMA has often been regarded as a men’s sport ― Ann wanted to prove the doubters wrong, breaking aside stereotypes and social barriers on what women can, or should, be doing.
The day finally came, on October 18, 2013.
Malaysia’s wait for its first female fighter came to an end, Ann made her debut at the Singapore Indoor Stadium against Singapore’s Sherilyn Lim.
The country got behind her and rallied her on but unfortunately she lost via split decision after 15-minutes of an exhilarating encounter.
It didn’t stop her. She came back stronger, recording three victories on the trot in 17 months before going down to Russia’s Irina Mazepa at Stadium Negara on October 2015 at ONE Championship: Tigers of Asia.
Another two wins and two defeats followed, but despite a topsy-turvy career, Malaysians were sad to wave her goodbye.
Karistani Amoi (@kxristxni) on Twitter: Ann Osman officially retired from her career. My idol forever.
Another user Is Medok (@IsMedok15) tweeted; I don’t know how I feel. Kind off excited for you but sad at the same time. Definitely going to miss Athena. Thanks for fighting and entertaining us fans.
Her retirement comes after ONE Championship founder and CEO Chatri Sityodtong took to Facebook to announce her role in the Athlete Relations/ Development department of the promotion.
He added: “Ann has been a global trailblazer and pioneer for women in martial arts. Thank you for exemplifying what it means to be a true martial artist with values of integrity, humility, honour, respect, courage and discipline.”
Besides her new role, Ann also will be taking care of her businesses, she owns a gym and a recreational adventure company in Sabah.
Ann’s passion for martial arts begun years ago when she first fell in love with Muay Thai.
Since then, her passion grew bigger which eventually led her to a professional MMA career with ONE Championship.
