Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly: From Money‑Woes to Featherweight Fame
Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly (34) is lighting up the ONE Championship’s featherweight scene with a thunderclap win that could set him up for a title clash this year. He’s booked to take on former champ Narantungalag “Tungaa” Jadambaa (12‑5) in Macau on Saturday, June 23—an encounter that may catapult him into the world title picture.
Why Kelly’s Latest Knockout Matters
- In February’s ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER, Kelly crushed Jadambaa with a slick combination, stopping him in just 21 seconds.
- The burst carved a spot in the record books as the fastest finish in the featherweight division.
- With this win, Kelly slides nearer to the championship—a goal he’s chased since he was a kid in the Philippines.
From the Struggle Road to the Ring
He kicked off his professional career in 2007, picking up a TKO win at a local event. Yet he pocketed only 500 pesos—about $9.50. “I was so disappointed,” he recalls. “I’d dreamed of fighting for pay, but it didn’t even cover a bus fare.”
That hard-hit reality nudged him to leave fighting for a brief period and focus on a more reliable income. He moved to Bataan, helped his brother run a boutique clothing store, eventually buying it and keeping the shop afloat.
Missing the Fight
He spent six long years away from the Octagon, feeling a persistent itch: “Even though I wasn’t fighting, training lingered in my mind.” He watched Team Lakay flourish locally and globally, and felt a creeping “what if” that he was missing out.
That Turning Point
The spark returned when Eric, his brother, won at ONE Championship’s inaugural event in September 2011—defeating Mitch Chilson. “When my brother beat him, that’s when I knew I had to come back,” Kelly says.
Return to the Grind
Re‑entering the sport full‑time, Kelly trained hard with Team Lakay in Baguio City, added two victories in Malaysia, and finally signed with ONE Championship. He’s now a top contender, yet he remains humble.
- Kelly’s current record stands at 10‑4.
- His goal is to secure the World Featherweight title and prove he can do more.
- Winning against Jadambaa would put him “within touching distance” of that dream.
Kelly’s Mindset
“I was so happy and content with my decision,” he says. “It feels like doing what I truly love is finally real. I’ve got this fire to build my name in this sport, become a World Champion, and see how far I can go.”
All in all, he’s proving that setbacks don’t define you—they can ignite a comeback.
