Papua Badboy’s Comeback: Ready to Take on “The Ilonggo”
Meet the legend: Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis, the 25‑year‑old Indonesian sensation who made a splash in ONE Championship back in 2016 with two knockouts in one night. He’s back for his ninth fight at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS in Guangzhou, China, on the 7th of July.
What’s the hype?
Long story short: three straight wins leading up to a big victory over Lan Ming Qiang in April. The momentum is huge. The gym’s buzzing, fans are pumped, and the bad boy is ready to ride that wave.
The Lan Match: Lessons Learned
When it came to Lan, “Papua Badboy” gave it his all. He admits:
- He fought hard but never went down—Lan was tough.
- He used strikes to keep the fight standing, yet had to take him down when needed.
- Probably the first time he ever had to rely on the judges for a unanimous decision.
He says it proved he can end three rounds with grit and skill.
Coaching the Curve
Zuli “The Shark” Silawanta, his coach, praised how his fighter stuck to the plan. The plan? A mixed up-and-down approach: stand, strike, take down.
- See “up and down” strategy worked against Lan.
- Now the game plan vs. Catalan is stand‑up only.
The New Challenge: “The Ilonggo” Catalan
What a matchup:
- Ifma World Muay Thai Champion.
- Wrestling prowess & submission skills.
- Transitioned from corner to cage with explosive energy.
Mattheis and his team have studied Clifford’s antics at Tigershark Academy, learning from a bout against Catalan’s brother Rene in January.
Just How Strong Is the Badboy?
Mattheis declares, “My body feels stronger, I’ve got more muscle, more technique, and I’ve had fights with good fighters.”
He’s got confidence, a sharpened skill set, and is preparing to stay away from the ground game to keep hitting with punches, kicks, and knees.
The Big Picture
With Guangzhou on the horizon, this fight will help him cement his place in ONE’s upper echelon. A four‑straight win will let the division know he’s here to stay.
Bottom Line
It’s time for the 25‑year‑old to show the world just how “Papua Badboy” can keep his momentum going. Fans, you’re about to see a stunning performance—one that’s effortless, fierce, and absolutely unforgettable. Let’s close that fight with a bang!
