From Street Fights to Global Glory: Stefer Rahardian’s Rise
Every time you hear a rumble in the ring, you might think it’s just another fleeting moment in the world of ONE Championship. But for Stefer Rahardian, a 31‑year‑old who’s climbing the leaderboard with an impeccable 7‑0 record, the fight just keeps getting louder.
One Year In, Three Wins In
Stefer joined the ONE roster last year, and boy, did he make an entrance. All three of his bouts ended in victories, and he’s now the undefeated corner boy that everyone talks about.
Beyond the Cage: A Family That Rests on His Shoulders
While he’s mastering kicks, punches, and that signature jaw‑shaking spin‑kick (yes, that one), he never forgets his home in East Jakarta.
- Living with Mom: Stefer shares a flat with his mother, Margaretha. They’re tight—minus the occasional hustle of training moons away.
- Training in Bali: A big chunk of his preparation takes place at Bali MMA. This means long stretches where his elderly mother is left on her own.
- He’s Not Happy: “There can be trouble,” he tells us. “Sometimes I’m not at home. Every day I train, and I keep thinking about her.”
- Prior Losses: The old brother’s passing when Stefer was a boy left a deeper sense of responsibility.
- Big Brother Role: Now as the eldest son, he feels the weight of stepping up and caring for his family.
Keeping the Balance
It’s a constant mental juggling act. “I’m always thinking about ways to make my mom happy,” he says. “She tells me I’m doing big things for her, but I still feel I can do more.” That’s the kind of human emotion that turns a simple fight into a story of perseverance.
One Hallmark: Human and Introspective
Even as she’s destined to go down in the record books, Stefer remains the man who, in the beat of his heart (every training session) and in the quiet of his mother’s kitchen, keeps fighting for his family. And in that, we see the real champion—inside and outside the cage.
From Rough Beginnings to Bravado Kevin “Rahardian” Styles
Picture this: a 10‑year‑old boy in Jakarta, juggling school and schoolyard bullying, while his single mom hustles nights as a waitress in a Japanese restaurant. The story is one of grit, seizing opportunity, and a lot of heart.
Family, the Real MVP
Rahardian’s parents split when he was a kid, and his mother took the reins. She worked hard enough to finally own a little home in Mararam, an area that used to be slick with drugs and violence.
- She gave Rahardian a roof.
- She got the school fees sorted.
- She saved the cash for a house.
“My mother was really, really important to me,” he says, “she gave me everything when I was a kid: school and shelter.”
Life Is a Mixed‑Bread Bagel of Pain & Passion
Now that neighborhood is a lot safer, but Rahardian’s dreams still taste a bit salty. He hopes to funnel the earnings from his martial arts gigs back into the house, turning it into a sanctuary.
Up to the Boots: The Upcoming Clash
On 20 January, the world eyes ONE: KINGS OF COURAGE as he squares off with Pakistan’s Muhammad “The Spider” Imran. Rahardian admits the stockpile of money is still on the side of his stomach and supplements.
“I am busy with preparation for training. I cannot spare a lot of money. I have to eat properly and buy supplements.”
Rhythm, Resilience, and a Tribe
His success pulse is kept alive thanks to Bali MMA. The squad’s got his back, cheering, correcting, and ultimately treating him like family.
“They treat me like a brother. During training, they help you. They push you. They give attention to your mistakes.”
“I am just an ordinary guy. I am just an ordinary athlete. I would not be here without them.”
One thing’s for sure: with a solid foundation from his mother and a fierce crew at Bali MMA, Rahardian aims to stay 7‑wins straight, prove that ordinary can evolve into extraordinary, and maybe even buy that house he and his mom dreamed of as a kid.
